United States
Continental Linen Service (CLS), based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, recently received Clean Green recertification. CLS is a family-owned and operated laundry, uniform and facility services provider serving the lower peninsula of Michigan from its six locations. This recertification reflects the company's continued commitment to operational efficiency and sustainability.
Companies that have received or recertified this certification adhere to the thresholds set by TRSA for water and energy consumption and use Best Management Practices (BMPs) that correspond to the international environmental laundry standard of ASTM. CLS customers can rest assured that their uniforms, towels and other reusable bedding are washed, dried and finished using processes that maximize sustainability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Clean Green-certified companies show a considerable commitment to environmental protection and environmentally friendly companies through these BMPs:
· Recovery of heat from drained hot water and heat given off when the water is heated
· Discharge of drained water from the rinses for reuse
· Use of environmentally friendly cleaning agents
· Removal of solids and liquids from wastewater
· Solar energy and energy efficient lighting
· Recycling programs
· Redirecting trucks to save vehicle fuel
· Spill prevention plans
The Clean Green certification is valid for three years. TRSA inspects laundries applying for certification and approves documentation of their water and energy consumption as well as BMP use based on production reports that they submit to auditors during the inspections. TRSA's certification management protocol includes auditor training by the association's inspection program administrator.
Clean Green complies with the international ASTM standard "Guide for Sustainable Laundry Practices", which recognizes important criteria for certification as universal indicators for maximum sustainability in commercial laundry work. ASTM's review of the TRSA-BMP confirmed that these are the most effective and practical techniques for a wash to meet environmentally friendly goals.
"I applaud CLS for their sustainability efforts and their adherence to the highest standards in their production and delivery processes," said Joseph Ricci, President and CEO of TRSA. "It's tough to meet all of the certification criteria, but they are committed to industry-leading processes and technologies."
For information on the Clean Green and Hygienically Clean certification programs, please contact E: afreeman@trsa.org.
