Facing high energy costs and the pressure to balance ever-tighter budgets, finding efficiencies has become a financial necessity for schools and other institutions across the UK’s education sector.
Add to this a growing need to reduce carbon emissions and meet net-zero targets, and it’s clear that making smart investments matters more than ever.
One area of operations that offers real opportunities for energy and cost savings is the on-site laundry room.
Whether it’s washing bedding for a boarding school, getting mud and grass stains out of sports kit, or staying on top of towels, many settings will use these resource-intensive facilities daily, and could see real benefits from upgrades.
Common challenges for school laundry rooms
Many school laundries rely on domestic-spec equipment, which isn’t designed to keep up with demand or large throughput, has longer cycle times and is far more likely to break down with constant use.
Installing newer, commercial-grade appliances will lead to fewer breakdowns, more capacity, and a much longer lifespan for your equipment, which will also add up to longer-term savings on top of improved energy efficiency and lower bills.
Even better, a commercial washer is far more effective when it comes to delivering reliable laundry disinfection, which could be a boost for settings where infection control is key.
What makes commercial laundry systems more efficient?
JLA’s popular commercial washers and dryers are packed with technology to make life easier, speed up cycle times, and save plenty of water and power as they go. Our commercial washing machines, for example, feature smart sensors that weigh a load then adjust the amount of water, temperature, and time needed to complete a cycle.
Similarly, our large-capacity tumble dryers use moisture-sensing technology to prevent overdrying, reducing electricity use and making sure you get perfectly dried clothes without extra delay.
We also offer the unique, ozone-powered OTEX laundry system, which, unlike traditional thermal disinfection, uses the naturally disinfecting power of ozone gas to kill 99.999% of harmful bacteria, moulds and yeasts, even on an energy-saving cool wash.
Together, these innovations can dramatically cut energy consumption without compromising on hygiene or performance.
Can you measure your return on investment?
As commercial-grade washers and dryers are engineered to use significantly less water and electricity per cycle, it is common to see a noticeable drop in energy use and utility bills over time – especially in settings where machines are in daily use. And because they’re more durable than domestic alternatives, they should also have a longer working life.
For many schools, especially those already processing large volumes of laundry, upgrading an in-house laundry could prove far more cost-effective than outsourcing. Factor in savings on transportation, turnaround times, handling, and hygiene control, and the benefits are tough to ignore.
Finding the right solution for your setting
Every education setting has its own needs, making a tailored approach to laundry essential.
Boarding schools, for example, will rely on high-capacity systems that can keep up with daily loads of uniforms, bedding, and towels, making consistency and reliability important.
Universities, meanwhile, will likely benefit from student-managed laundry services that use smart technology like app-controlled machines and contactless payments for ease of use. These setups are often more convenient for users and more efficient for facilities teams to look after.
And in vocational colleges, laundry is often embedded in the teaching – think towels for beauty therapy, sports science, or hospitality. These courses will depend on specialist equipment that’s capable of meeting industry standards, while also being energy-efficient and easy to operate.
Maintenance: the last piece of the puzzle
Even the most reliable laundry machines need proactive care to make sure they keep performing at their best. Preventative maintenance is how you’ll maintain efficiency beyond installation, reducing the risk of costly breakdowns and keeping energy use in check.
Many settings choose to protect their investments with service-level agreements like JLA’s all-inclusive Total Care package, which offers peace of mind through scheduled maintenance, inclusive servicing and repairs, and responsive repairs – all for a simple monthly price that makes it much easier to budget.
For more smart solutions to help you save energy, visit our Energy Smart Hub a resource hub packed full of practical tips and insights, brought to you from our experts:
Think of upgrading an existing setup or planning for a new laundry room? Get in touch to see how our experts can help you cut costs and meet sustainability targets.
Download the JLA education sector brochure
Take a look at our detailed brochure for more information on how JLA can help the education sector.
- An overview on how JLA can help the education sector
- Sustainability and ESG
- Laundry, catering, HVAC and fire safety products
- Digital support
- Network of engineers
- Purchase options, including Total Care
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