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.”

Full interview questions and answers are listed below:

Interview questions with Richard Biddell of REDHS

Why did REDHS enter the 'Sustainability Awards'?

To basically help the environment and let the local community know what we are doing.

What are did REDHS want to improve?

To use less water, recycle more, reduce energy use, install solar hot water, improve our building design and equipment.

What changes made the biggest difference?

The Duplex steam cleaners saved us an estimated 36387 Lt of water in a moth compared with wet mopping and hosing showers.

Why did you impliment Duplex products in your program?

We heard Duplex products were the best.

How have the Duplex products performed?

They are much more efficient than previous cleaning methods and obviously saves lots of water and 100% on chemical.

How did staff respond to the new cleaning methods?

First it was a matter of breaking old habbits. Now staff love the steamers. I'd almost say they are the best thing we have done.

How were savings measured?

We measured amounts  of water and chemical used with traditional methods for one month. Water use was 36530 Lt and chemical 365.23 Lt. Next month we measured steam cleaners. Water use was a mere 142 Lt and chemical 0 Lt.

What were the main benefits of the program?

There are so many including cost saving, it's better for the environment, we use less water and we are not putting chemical into the waste water.

Do you believe all facilities should adopt similar sustainability programs?

Yes they definitely should. There are so many reasons why.

Any advice for similar facilities starting a sustainability plan?

Start small and build from there. For instance sort your waste program first and simply grow from there.