HLS Linen Services HLS LINEN SERVICES NEWS/BLOG CLIENT RESOURCES Request a quote EVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TOP 10 GREEN INITIATIVES ENVIRONMENTAL COST SAVINGS ISO 14001 TRSA CLEAN GREEN® HLS Linen Services is dedicated to being an environmentally and socially responsible operation that works in partnership with our employees, customers, and vendors, to reduce any negative impact on natural resources. We are pioneers and leaders in recycling and infection control activities, operating under strict guidelines set forth by suppliers, launderers, customers, and equipment manufacturers, as well other leaders in the health care, recycling, and infection control fields. As the world changes and natural resources become a more precious commodity, we recognize our responsible to generate a positive impact and do our part in protecting the environment. In so doing, we have been inspired to re-evaluate our business in terms of environmental impact, the use of natural and human resources, and overall corporate responsibility. We are committed to building sustainable thinking into all aspects of our business; because we know that our actions today mean a better world tomorrow for generations to come. It is our promise to go beyond assisting our customers with a valuable community service and strive to respect the environment, our partners, and communities while making our workplace safer and healthier for our staff. HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF HLS SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES: Energy Conservation Program Our new state of the art facility has generated significant gas and water savigs – both in terms of cost and resource use. Our cost per gas has dropped 3.89 cents per kilogram and water costs have dropped 2.66 cents per kilogram. Productivity Improvements Through innovative changes in material handling systems and more efficient plant space, overall output has been increased by 50%, reducing the average price per kilo of general linen shipped to customers. HLS is meeting all customer needs with only one shift which means reduced impact on power and other resources (including human) used to run the equipment! Wash Cycle Concentrated wash formulas go a long way, reducing chemical use and subsequent waste. We perform energy audits that evaluate the amount of energy used in the overall wash process. This allows us to evaluate potential energy saving opportunities. In addition, we use oxygen bleaching rather than chlorine bleach which can have adverse effects on the environment as it is discharged into the waste system. Recycling Since 1988, HLS has been recycling wash water, reducing water use by two thirds. Not only does this save money, it has less impact on watercourses and translates into decreased costs to customers. Health & Safety Ergonomic workstations, conveyor systems, anti-fatigue mats, and new materials handling systems ease physical strain, reduce risk of injury, and enhance productivity. We have air handling systems for greater control of airborne particles which also help improve air circulation. Centralized System By operating a centralized linen laundry and processing facility, resources used in on-premise facilities are greatly reduced. The high-efficiency, high-volume equipment that is a standard part of the HLS process allows more linen to be processed to a higher standard in less time, using less power, water, and chemicals then would be required in a per-load on-site facility. TOP 10 GREEN INITIATIVES We play an important role in reducing the amount of waste products by hospitals and health care facilities with the reusable products we ship daily. We use the most energy efficient wash and drying equipment available from our German supplier Kannegiesser. The plant was designed with skylights to limit the use of lighting to save electricity. We have water and heat reclaim systems that allow us to reduce our water and gas costs. We use environmentally friendly chemicals in our wash process including hydrogen peroxide instead of chlorine bleach. Any ragged linen is shipped out or sold as rags, thereby limiting the generation of garbage to landfill. All of the soiled linen arrives in plastic bags which are recycled after use. We have gas flow meters to monitor gas consumption on our dryers to ensure we are not using excessing amounts of gas. Aluminum shipping carts are washed and reused to reduce packaging. We continue to research methods that will better use and reclaim water that is otherwise discarded, reducing overall consumption per kilogram. ENVIRONMENTAL COST SAVINGS HLS is committed to ensuring that laundry costs are minimized. By operating a centralized linen laundry and processing facility, high-efficiency, high-volume equipment can help to reduce overall operating costs and environmental impact – for HLS and for our customers. Our cost-effective processes allow us to continuously invest in improved methods and equipment, which further improves labour efficiency and ensures lower costs. A recent benchmarking study stated that HLS Linen Services has the highest plant efficiencies among the 700 facilities studied in fourteen countries. The study showed that HLS Linen Services is one of the most cost efficient healthcare laundries in the world, and is the best in North America. ISO 14001 HLS Linen Services is ISO 14001 Certified. Part of the ISO 14000 series, the ISO 14001 certification forms the cornerstone of the family of standards. ISO 14001 Environmental Certification provides a framework for environmental management best practices to help organizations minimize their environmental footprint. TRSA CLEAN GREEN® HLS Linen Services is TRSA CLEAN GREEN® certified. This certification recognizes companies that demonstrates responsible leadership in sustainability and conservation by acknowledging commitment to improving water and energy efficiency and adoption of best management practices for reusing, reclaiming and recycling resources. CONTACT 45 Gurdwara Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K2E 7X6 613.842.3000 An ISO 9001 & 14001 Certified Company LOCATIONS SERVED Eastern Ontario Western Quebec Greater Toronto Area Southwestern Ontario Northern Ontario Facebook twitter linkedin blog NEWSLETTER REGISTRATION © 2021 HLS Linen Services Privacy Policy Website Design by TruedotDESIGN