Duplex Cleaning Machines would like to congratulate Rochester & Elmore District Health Service on being a finalist in the Premiers Sustainablity Awards 2008. Before entering the awards one of REDHS main strategic goals was responsible and sustainable use of both financial and environmental resources. To achieve these goals an environmental plan was created with the following objectives in mind:

• To reduce water usage by 70%

• To increase waste recycling by 50%

• To decrease waste by 50%

• To decease energy usage by 70%

• To decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 70%

• To reduce chemical usage by 80%

REDHS has since implemented many changes to achieve these objectives. Major changes so far include starting an environment committee, purchasing 5 Duplex steam cleaners, installing solar hot water systems, getting a 450,00 litre rain water tank, buying Ozone washing machines, facility wide recycling and building design changes to reduce energy use and carbon emmisions.

REDHS ON DUPLEX STEAMERS

In a report for the Sustainability Awards Richard Biddell, REDHS Environment Committee Chairman, mentioned “we were not aware of the amount of water and chemical we were using and the damage we were inflicting on the environment.” “We then reviewed alternative ways of cleaning and found that by using steam machines we would not require chemicals.” ‘Steam cleaners were then trailed for one month, the results were impressive, cleaning standards were well exceeded, along with the numerous applications the machine could be used for. We have since purchased five Duplex steam cleaning machines and have heavily reduced our water use and chemical use by 80%.’ ‘The 5 Duplex steam cleaners, the 450,000Lt rainwater tank and the Ozone Laundry System have all contributed  to reducing our water usage by 3 million litres per year.’ “Not only have these changes reduced our environmental impact but they have also presented substantial cost benefits that the organisation will continue to see.”