Industries are facing increasing pressure to minimize their environmental footprint. One key area where companies can make a significant impact is in their equipment washing operations.
This article provides a clear guide for businesses to quantify the environmental impact of their washing processes and implement effective strategies to mitigate it. By embracing eco-friendly equipment maintenance, companies can experience benefits like cost savings, enhanced brand reputation and a healthier planet.
Calculating Equipment Washing Footprint
The environmental impact of equipment washing is significant. It takes about 200 liters of water (52.8 gallons) on average to wash just one vehicle. Washing vehicles and equipment also produces dry weather discharges contaminated with oils, detergents and heavy metals. The resulting potential waterway pollution harms aquatic life and causes algae blooms.
Implementing sustainable fleet cleaning practices is crucial to eliminating these harmful impacts. The first step in reducing environmental impact is to accurately measure it. In the context of industrial washing, “environmental impact” is a combination of factors such as:
- Water consumption
- Wash water recycling and treatment
- Energy use
- Chemical contamination
- Carbon emissions
Audit Water Consumption
Start by calculating total water usage per wash cycle or per piece of equipment. This can be done by installing sub-meters on wash rack supply lines and tracking consumption over a set period.
Next, analyze company water bills to identify trends and usage spikes. Look for opportunities to optimize the washing schedule and identify leaks. Finally, consider the company’s water source. If using potable water for washing, consider switching to recycled or reclaimed water to reduce freshwater consumption.
Assess Energy and Chemical Use
Cleaning vehicles and equipment also consumes significant amounts of energy and chemicals. Start measuring the environmental impact of your industrial equipment washing practices by identifying all equipment in the process that consumes electricity. This could be pressure washers, pumps or hot water heaters. Use a power meter to measure their consumption over a typical wash cycle.
Inventory the cleaning chemicals used, noting their type, volume and frequency of use. Pay special attention to any products containing hazardous or environmentally harmful ingredients. Then, look for opportunities to switch to more efficient equipment and eco-friendly chemical alternatives. Even small changes, like using a lower-temperature pressure washer, can add up to significant energy savings.
Evaluate Your Wash Water Carbon Footprint
A company’s carbon footprint is a measure of the total greenhouse gas emissions generated by its activities. While it may seem abstract, it’s a crucial metric for understanding climate change impact.
To calculate your wash water footprint, determine the carbon intensity of your electricity source. This information is often available from the utility provider. Otherwise, use a carbon footprint calculator. Next, calculate the emissions associated with heating the wash water. This is a function of the volume of water heated, the temperature increase and the efficiency of the heating system.
Additionally, factor in the emissions related to any used cleaning chemicals. This includes the carbon footprint of:
- Raw material and quantities
- Energy use in manufacturing
- Transportation distances and modes
- Product use phase
- End-of-life treatment
Practical Eco-Friendly Washing Practices
Once a baseline wash water carbon footprint has been established, it’s time to implement reduction strategies. Optimizing equipment maintenance and green water washing procedures can help save water, energy and chemicals.
Equipment Maintenance
Properly maintaining washing equipment means it works efficiently for longer. Establish a regular maintenance schedule for pressure washers, pumps and nozzles, and inspect hoses, connections and valves for leaks. Even a small leak in a hose can waste considerable amounts of water. Also, clean and calibrate chemical dosing systems to ensure the minimum product necessary is used for effective cleaning.
Washing Procedures
Small changes to the washing process can add up to notable environmental savings. Consider implementing these sustainable washing practices:
- Pre-scrape heavy debris and dirt from equipment before washing. This reduces the amount of water and chemicals needed to achieve a thorough clean.
- Use the lowest effective water pressure and temperature settings for general cleaning. High-pressure, hot water may be necessary for some heavily soiled areas.
- Batch equipment washes to maximize efficiency and reduce the number of wash cycles.
- Train the washing team on proper procedures.
Strategies for Sustainable Cleaning
While these strategies may require some upfront investment, they offer the greatest long-term benefits for companies’ bottom lines and the environment.
Switch to Biodegradable Detergents
Traditional cleaning chemicals often contain harsh solvents, phosphates and other ingredients that can harm aquatic life and pollute waterways. Making the switch to biodegradable, non-toxic alternatives is a key step in reducing the environmental impact when washing industrial equipment.
Look for products that are readily biodegradable, meaning they break down quickly and safely in the environment. Avoid chemicals with ingredients that are slow-degrading or persistent. Choose detergents that are free of phosphates, as phosphates can cause harmful algal blooms in waterways.
Lastly, use concentrated formulas to reduce packaging waste and transportation emissions. Properly diluted concentrates can be as effective as ready-to-use products.
Capture and Contain Wastewater
Allowing contaminated wash water to run off into storm drains or permeate the ground can have serious environmental consequences. It’s also illegal in many jurisdictions under the Clean Water Act. Implement proper wastewater containment for compliance and sustainability by:
- Installing berms or curbs around wash areas to prevent runoff. All wash water should be directed to a central collection point like a drain or catch basin.
- Using a settling tank or an oil/water separator to remove solids and floating contaminants from wash water before it enters the sewer system.
- Investing in a portable wash bay with a built-in containment system designed to capture and recirculate wash water. This reduces water consumption and wastewater discharge.
Implement a Water Recycling System
The single most effective way to reduce the environmental impact of equipment washing is to implement a closed-loop water recycling system. These systems capture, treat and reuse wash water.
A typical recycling system includes a collection tank, filtration and treatment stages, and a clean water storage tank. Treated water is pumped back to the pressure washer for reuse. Advanced systems use technologies like oxidation, membrane filtration, reverse osmosis, and deionization to remove contaminants and ensure recycled water is safe and effective for cleaning.
Partnering With ESD Waste2Water
Knowing exactly how to measure and reduce the environmental impact of washing industrial equipment can be complex, especially for businesses with intricate washing operations. That’s where ESD Waste2Water comes in.
As a leading provider of wash water recycling and treatment solutions, ESD has the expertise and technology to help companies across industries achieve their sustainability goals.
ESD Waste2Water closed-loop recycling systems are designed to handle the specific demands of turf and golf courses and industries like construction, mining, and oil and gas. ESD can custom-engineer a solution to fit unique operational requirements.
Learn More Today
ESD Waste2Water offers everything businesses need to wash heavy equipment efficiently, alongside installation, service and training for all products. Contact ESD today to discover how investing in proven technologies can lead to reduced water consumption and wastewater discharge.