Just as properties are judged on their energy performance with Energy Performance Certificates, commercial washing machines are rated for how energy efficient they are.

According to the Carbon Trust, the UK industrial laundries sector processes around 743,651 tonnes of laundry each year. This is mainly hotel linen and towels, work wear and linen/garments for the health sector across 134 sites. 1,254 GWh is required to make this happen, which is equivalent to emissions of approximately 281,500 tonnes of CO2 per year.

All washing machines now have EU energy efficiency labels on them. But unless you work within the commercial washing machine industry, or have taken the time to scrutinise the ratings, then you may not necessarily know what they mean.

Fortunately for you, we’ve been specialising in the world of commercial washing machines for more than 30 years and are more than familiar with washing machine EU energy efficiency ratings. Let’s talk you through them:

The current EU energy label for washing machines ranges from A+++ (most efficient) to D (least efficient). Any new machine now coming on to the market needs to be rated A+ or above.

One of the most effective ways of sourcing an energy efficient washing machine (other than asking a professional like us) is to look out for the Energy Saving Trust’s Energy Saving Recommended logo.

You’ll find this on the energy label, alongside other key details, including:

  • Annual water consumption
  • Noise emissions
  • Capacity
  • Spin drying efficiency

Calculating energy ratings

Washing machine ratings are based on how many kilowatt hours are used annually for full and partial 60°C cotton loads and 40°C partial cotton loads.

Interestingly, the EU energy ratings don’t cover water usage, only electricity levels. The water consumption does also feature on energy labels, but doesn’t influence the overall energy efficiency rating.

Staying energy efficient

There are plenty of ways organisations can reduce their laundry carbon footprint other than investing in commercial washing machines that carry the EU energy efficiency label. For instance, the Carbon Trust recommends that you should:

  • Avoid under or over-loading your machine
  • Correctly sort and classify your laundry items
  • Use the correct wash programmes, according to the load
  • Implement a switch-off policy
  • Measure wash performance with a view to reducing re-wash cycles

Making sure you have the right commercial washing machine for the job also plays a huge part in ticking the energy efficiency box. For guidance on selecting the right appliance, check out our blog, ‘5 features to focus on when buying commercial washing machines.’

In the meantime, for more insight on energy efficiency ratings or for impartial advice on the most effective way to go about improving your laundry carbon footprint, contact us on info@jtmservice.com or 0800 652 5692.