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Description
The overall goal of the project is to make the company “Green Dry Cleaning” Ltd. more competitive and adaptable to the current market and environmental needs.
The specific goals of the project are to invest in and apply new for the company energy and water efficient technology and to offer a greener cleaning service by using organic and eco-friendly solvents, which is an innovative approach to dry cleaning process in Bulgaria. By investing in and applying new for the company energy efficient equipment and by offering a green service – excluding the traditional PERC solvents from the cleaning process, the Project Promoter will directly solve the current needs, which are in compliance with the Programme’s objectives, namely:
- To increase company’s annual growth in turnover by 30% a year after project implementation;
- To increase company’s net operating profit a year after the new energy efficient equipment is installed and the new green service is offered.
The project main outcomes are:
1. Decrease of CO2 emissions with at least 50 % compared to the current dry cleaners in Bulgaria thanks to the investment in new energy and water efficient equipment, which will be applied in the company (30 % less electricity consumption on an annual basis and at least 20 % water consumption on an annual basis compared to the current dry cleaners in Bulgaria).
2. Additional decrease of CO2 emissions will be saved as a result of the fact that the new organic solvents are more sparing and gently towards garments and extend garment’s life, which in a long-term perspective will lead to a sustainable effect and decrease of CO2 emissions.
3. Decrease of VOC Perchloroethylene emissions (by removing and replacing perc) by 126 kg/ year later starting from the implementation of the project and replacing the Perc with eco-friendly and green solvents.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several critical issues related to the use of perchloroethylene (PERC) in the dry-cleaning industry in Bulgaria. Firstly, PERC is recognized as a "probable human carcinogen" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and has been linked to severe health risks, including cancer, kidney, and liver damage. This poses a significant threat to both the workers in dry-cleaning facilities and the consumers who utilize these services.
Additionally, PERC is classified as a Toxic Air Contaminant by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), contributing to environmental pollution. The annual emissions from PERC dry cleaning systems in Bulgaria are estimated at 158,000 metric tons, accounting for approximately 0.9 percent of total stationary source emissions. This level of pollution not only harms the environment but also limits access to dry-cleaning services for eco-conscious consumers and individuals with allergies or skin sensitivities.
The project seeks to implement a professional multi-solvent dry cleaning technology that utilizes eco-friendly solvents, such as liquid carbon dioxide, silicone-based, or hydrocarbon detergents. This innovative approach will allow for the effective cleaning of various fabrics without the harmful effects associated with PERC. By introducing this technology, which has already been successfully adopted in countries like the United States, Germany, and Austria, the project aims to enhance public health, reduce environmental pollution, and broaden the accessibility of dry-cleaning services to all consumer groups, particularly those who prioritize eco-friendly practices.
The project undertaken by “Green Dry Cleaning” Ltd. focused on enhancing the company''s competitiveness and adaptability to meet current market demands and environmental needs. To achieve this, several key activities and outputs were implemented.
Firstly, the project involved the preparation of tender documentation to facilitate the procurement of new energy-efficient dry cleaning machines. This investment was aimed at replacing traditional equipment with state-of-the-art technology that utilizes organic and eco-friendly solvents, effectively eliminating the use of harmful perchloroethylene (PERC) in the cleaning process.
The purchase and installation of these energy-efficient machines marked a significant milestone in the project. These new machines are designed to consume 30% less energy compared to the existing dry cleaning equipment in Bulgaria. As a result, the company anticipates saving approximately 1,270 euros annually in energy costs, with energy consumption reduced from 35 MWh per year to around 26 MWh for the same volume of work, which is projected to be 10,500 items annually in the first year after implementation.
In addition to energy savings, the project also aimed to decrease water consumption by 20% on an annual basis. With the new equipment, water usage is expected to drop from 1,050 m³ per year to 860 m³ for the same workload, further contributing to the company''s sustainability goals.
One of the most significant outputs of the project is the reduction of harmful PERC emissions, achieved by completely removing this toxic solvent from the cleaning process. This change not only improves the environmental footprint of the company but also aligns with the broader objectives of the programme.
The project also included training sessions for the company’s personnel to ensure they are equipped to operate the new machines effectively and to handle various types of garments and materials. This training is essential for maximizing the benefits of the new technology and maintaining high service quality.
Overall, the project is expected to increase the company’s annual growth in turnover by 30% within a year after implementation and enhance its net operating profit, while significantly contributing to environmental sustainability through reduced energy and water consumption, as well as decreased CO2 emissions.
The project has achieved notable results with significant impacts on various stakeholders. Here''s an overview of the outcomes and who benefited from them:
Increased Annual Turnover: The project led to a substantial 30% increase in the company''s annual turnover after the first year of implementation. This growth is attributed to the strategic investment made and the introduction of a new, high-demand service. The positive financial trajectory continues, with the company''s turnover further increasing, driven by a sustained market demand for the new service.
Enhanced Net Operating Profit: Following the installation of energy-efficient equipment and the launch of a new green service, the company''s annual net operating profit saw a significant boost after the first year of the project implementation. This improvement continues, with further profit increases, as the market increasingly recognized and sought out the environmentally friendly service offered.
Reduction in CO2 Emissions: The project resulted in a notable reduction in CO2 emissions, cutting them by at least 50% compared to other dry cleaners in Bulgaria. This achievement is a direct outcome of investing in new energy and water-efficient equipment, which reduced electricity consumption by 30% annually and water consumption by at least 20% annually.
Sustainable Emission Reductions: Beyond the immediate CO2 emission reductions, the use of new organic solvents contributed to a longer-term decrease in emissions. These solvents are gentler on garments, extending their lifespan and leading to a further sustainable reduction in CO2 emissions over time.
Decrease in VOC Perchloroethylene Emissions: The project successfully eliminated the use of harmful perchloroethylene (perc) by replacing it with eco-friendly solvents. This change resulted in a significant decrease of 126 kg per year in VOC perchloroethylene emissions, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.
Beneficiaries of the project are:
- The Company: Experienced financial growth, increased profit margins, and enhanced market position.
- The Environment: Benefited from substantial reductions in CO2 and VOC emissions, promoting a greener and more sustainable future.
- Consumers: Gained access to environmentally friendly dry cleaning services, aligning with increasing consumer demand for sustainable practices.
- The Broader Community: Enjoyed improved air quality and reduced environmental impact due to the significant decrease in harmful emissions.
Overall, the project''s outcomes demonstrate a successful blend of financial growth, environmental stewardship, and enhanced service offerings, benefiting both the company and the broader community.