Energy Efficient Laundromat
* Buy the machines that both wash and dry in the same machine
* Uses 70% less water and once it starts spinning it dries on its own
* Business gets govt. subsidies for being energy efficient
* Vending machines sell environmentally friendly products
Q1: What kind of startup capital would be needed?
Idea Description
Energy efficient laundromat
* Buy the machines that both wash and dry in the same machine
* Uses 70% less water and once it starts spinning it dries on its own.
* Business gets govt. subsidies for being energy efficient
* Vending machines sell environmentally friendly soaps and other products
* Solar panels (or sunlight focus panels) could potentially go on the top of building to assist in conserving energy that is used.
Benefits:
* Environmentally friendly
* Cheaper cost to consumer to wash/dry
* Consumers put laundry in once and don't have to come back to switch machines
What will you do if you win $10,000 for this idea?
* Find out what kind of startup capital would be needed to start first retail outlet.
* Test the markets for potential viability.
* If viable, scout out potential locations.
* Use the remaining $$ to setup first laundromat.
Vote for it now.
Alright lets us assume you can use some kind of solar panel to aid in the powering of the solar panels and thereby decrease some grid energy used. The main impact done on the environment by a laundromat is not its energy consumption, but the waste byproducts such as the soap, and cleaning fluids. For example to get the property and convert it would require special zoning which you can get, or buy an existing one. Secondly, you have to get level II environmental inspection done, with a soil test for contamination. Third, selling it off is also nasty. But besides that, I might have a bit of good news for you. Recently Haier and Hisense have developed or are developing, being former then latter, washer dryers for their domestic markets that do not use soap/detergent at all. It uses a …morechemical that is safe for the environment, and is reabsorbed by the machine, then reused. The downside is that it takes a little longer, but you could supply some wifi, and let your customers know that for the same price they don't have to buy detergent. Then market it. Drop me a line if you want to know more.
LessEverything: your idea about adding solar panels to heat water is awesome. I think we could even do one better (and less expensive) and use really simple non-photovoltaic magnifiers to simply focus the sunlight for heating. Less expensive to put together and more efficient. Thanks!
This is a great idea, more businesses need to be energy efficient, most car washes recycle 95% of their water!
Originally we were thinking the cost for doing your laundry would be cheaper because of the cost efficiencies, but the cost of the machines might offset that cost savings (rough numbers in my head). Also, I'm not sure how industrial these machines are yet, and I'm guessing parts/maintenance might offset the energy savings. But, if the machines are either cheaper and/or less maintenance than I believe they are, the prices could be lower than other laundromats. On the other hand, I'm not sure the lower-income families who use laundromats are really checking around and price comparing. I believe it's more about what's closer to them (transportation is more problematic than a 25 cent difference in price). As for govt subsidies, I can't imagine them not doing so. There are already b…moreenefits for residential home owners for becoming more efficient... why not businesses too?
Have you ever been to Sit & Spin in Seattle? It was a coffeshop/bar/laundromat. They offered free board games to pass the time, I think there was a pool table, and open mic/concerts too. Make sure there's enough machines, and find ways to offset the boredom!
Let's assume for a minute that laundromat users (as a target market) are probably not as conscientious about going green as some people. The benefits for them may have to be based on price or service such as quicker turn-a-round time. What other benefits can be seen from this? I would like to see an analysis on how detergent could be cheaper, water and electrical use lowered first. Will the government actually subsidize a business like this? This is going to take a little more analysis, but if the numbers work, there's no reason why not to move forward on it.