NORTH AMERICA
US Linen and Uniform, the Richland, Washington-based laundry whose six plants service south eastern Washington state and the Portland, Oregon metro area, recently achieved Clean Green recertification. This re-certification reflects the company’s continued dedication to operational efficiency and sustainability.
Companies that have earned or recertified for this adhere to TRSA-designated water and energy use thresholds and deploy best management practices (BMPs) consistent with the ASTM International environmental laundering standard. CLS’s customers can be assured their uniforms, towels and other reusable linens are washed, dried and finished with processes that maximise sustainability and reduce greenhouse emissions. Clean Green certified operations demonstrate significant commitment to conservation and green operations through these BMPs:
· Recovering heat from drained hot water and heat dispersed from the process of warming water
· Recapturing drained water from rinses for reuse
· Using environmentally friendly detergents
· Removing solids and liquids from wastewater
· Solar energy and energy-efficient lighting
· Recycling programs
· Re-routing trucks to save vehicle fuel
· Spill prevention plans
The Clean Green certification is valid for three years at a time. TRSA inspects laundry facilities seeking certification and approves documentation of their water and energy use and BMP deployment through production reports they submit to auditors during the inspections. TRSA’s certification management protocol includes auditor training by the association’s inspection program administrator.
Clean Green aligns with the ASTM International standard, Guide for Sustainable Laundry Practices, which recognizes key criteria for the certification as universal indicators of maximum sustainability in commercial laundry work. ASTM’s review of TRSA BMPs verified these as the most effective and practical techniques for a laundry to achieve green objectives.
TRSA members prompted development of the standard, which was vetted in the sustainability subcommittee of the ASTM Committee on Textiles. Top technical experts, scientists and environmental professionals from outside the linen, uniform and facility services industry reviewed the BMPs. ASTM is the global leader in developing and delivering voluntary consensus standards unparalleled in building consumer confidence in product and service quality.
“I applaud US Linen and Uniform for their sustainability efforts and maintaining the highest standards in their production and delivery operations,” said Joseph Ricci, TRSA president and CEO. “Meeting all the criteria for certification is not easy, but they are committed to industry-leading processes and technologies.”
For information about the Clean Green and Hygienically Clean certification programs, contact E:afreeman@trsa.org
