We have been approached recently by companies to comply with environmental requests from their customers on how to wash their vehicles. Evidently, there are now customer RFP’s (Request for Proposals) asking what are your environmental and sustainable methods for cleaning, including trucks.

This is most obvious in the transportation of food products, however, we had a company in the financial industry approach our company and ask how to become environmentally certified on washing. Sustainability is moving across all sectors of business.

There are a number of factors that can help your company comply with the reduction of water use and the certified chemical use to ensure all is compliant in methods of cleaning.

Proper use of equipment is first on the list of water usage. By analyzing the method you use today to the newest technology available, you can see a dramatic decrease in gallons per minute usage. This can be easily applied across the math of washing thousands of times a year, resulting in hundreds of gallons of savings of water. Apply this to your customer’s request and you can show green savings of your water footprint.

Next is the proper use of chemicals. First analysis is the types of chemicals you are currently using. Since all products today must meet minimum government standards, can you actually say you exceed these standards? There are ways to exceed and differentiate yourself from your competitors.

Next is the application of chemicals. Utilizing the proper equipment will ensure no WSIB claims from staff for injuries and will be ergonomically accepted.

Is proper dispensing of these chemicals ensuring maximum efficiencies with minimal usage? Only dispensing with proper equipment can ensure this happens. Not only does this allow efficiencies to your usage, but you also save money by not wasting or over using chemicals.

Below is a sample of wash bay set up for the efficient use of equipment and dispensing.

Would your staff benefit with equipment that is colour coded and readily accessible to utilize? Also, notice the placements of drop wands to ensure no safety issues of hoses all over the floor. One WSIB claim would pay for this equipment. Have you toured your wash bay lately?