Many companies around the world are increasingly adopting sustainable business practices to become more eco-friendly. The car wash industry is one of the fastest-growing economic sectors, with continued growth expected over the next decade.
Considering that car wash systems rely on vital resources like water and power that both have an environmental impact, seeking viable solutions that can help you go green and run environmentally friendly car wash operations is critical.
As a car wash operator, solutions like the use of energy-efficient equipment, alternative energy sources like solar power, and the adaptation of other eco-friendly initiatives go a long way into ensuring that your car wash business reduces its carbon footprint.
Here are key sustainable practices explaining how car wash businesses like yours can go green.
1. Water Recycling Systems
Most modern car wash businesses are investing in water recycling systems that help recycle up to 100% of the water that can be recaptured.
Through cutting-edge reverse osmosis water filtration systems, tubes and pumps, car wash operators are able to clean and purify used water to the point it can be stored and used to wash other cars.
This is one of the most effective ways to conserve water while ensuring a reduction in wastewater and toxic contaminants that may end up in sewer systems and other water bodies.
From a car wash owner’s perspective, investing in a proper water-recycling system can easily save you 50-60% or more on water and sewer discharge bills.
This way, you can save thousands of dollars annually in water costs, reduce water usage and avoid toxic water wastage that would impact the environment around you. Water reclamation and recycling systems help make your car-wash more sustainable.
2. Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions
Cleaning solutions in car wash systems may not entirely be able to get rid of chemicals but a lot can be done to use safer and more environmentally friendly options.
Instead of using the conventional cleaning solutions in the market, green car wash businesses are opting for biodegradable cleaning solutions that are safe for use on vehicles, and safer for the environment.
Going green also means using more eco-friendly cleaning techniques. Car wash businesses are switching from traditional foamers to bubbles. Bubbles have become the preferred cleaning option in modern car wash system because they are superior in delivering washing chemicals over a larger surface area.
Modern bubble delivery systems used today allow you to provide not only a higher level of quality service but also use less water, chemicals and power.
3. Upgrading to Modern Car Wash Equipment
Upgrading to new and more efficient car wash systems and equipment like blowers, pumps and reverse osmosis systems can be a huge expense for owners and operators. However, the fact is, you’re losing money with every car wash if you’re relying on outdated washing equipment and operational procedures.
While every business wants to achieve success and save costs, investing in modern systems and equipment that meet the current industry standards is a must for car wash businesses that want to go green.
Whether you’re upgrading your car or transit wash system, today’s revolutionary wash systems utilize resources more preciously than older units. Lower horsepower equipment and small changes in wash procedures can help your car wash business significantly reduce power and water usage.
By working with industry leaders, you can easily upgrade to more efficient and environmentally friendly systems and equipment that will help you enjoy smoother operations, reduced wastage and major savings in the long run.
4. Sustainable Business Foundation
Going green is not just about investing the latest green technologies in the car wash industry. Ensuring a green and sustainable business foundation from the word go should be your business philosophy.
For car wash operators opening new businesses, adhering to strict quality controls to deliver clean and environmentally friendly wash experience is critical. That means you should build your car wash from the ground up including the design and building process and service delivery with the goal of an all-green car wash end-to-end.
Here are a few ways your business can incorporate green technologies from the foundation:
- Installation of slanted roofs that collect rainwater to be stored on-site
- A reclamation system that reclaims and reuses 90% of the water used in your car wash
- Use of green-building techniques that utilize recyclable materials
- Use of LED lighting and utilization of natural light to save on energy costs
- Use of cleaner energy sources like installation of solar panels
- Use of biodegradable chemicals to reduce the impact on bays and rivers
- Choosing energy-efficient equipment
Having a sustainable car or transit wash is all about saving money on utility costs and protecting the local community and its resources.
6. Green Office Operations
Car wash businesses that are committed to going green are taking a further step by educating their teams and customers. Marketing your green technology initiatives can greatly help you improve your business marketing program while also increasing community awareness.
It’s true that customers are increasingly valuing car wash businesses that incorporate sustainable technologies to ensure environmental stewardship within the communities they serve.
To gradually reduce your carbon footprint, you have to be aware of effects that your business operations have on the planet. Pay close attention to your daily wash operations and look for smart and greenways you can improve efficiency at all levels of operation.
You should also stay updated on the latest green car wash solutions and implement them to ensure your business is environmentally friendly.
Author Bio: Ethan Smith is a car wash industry expert based in Los Angeles, California. He offers professional consultations on sustainable business practices for transit wash systems and car wash businesses and takes great pride in helping owners run more environmentally friendly operations. When free, he enjoys writing, backpacking, and fishing.