About the Beach Solar Laundromat
The Beach Solar Laundromat uses eight solar thermal panels to heat water for the Laundromat, potable water for the second floor apartment and for space heating in radiators. The building was built in 1939, and the mechanical retrofit took place in 2002 and 2003. Natural Gas consumption has been reduced by approximately 30% as a result of the energy initiatives undertaken. Revenues grew 160% over eighteen months as customers actively choose the Beach Solar Laundromat because of its environmentally friendly energy initiatives.
The Beach Solar Laundromat was recognized in April, 2004 by the Canadian
Council of Ministers of the Environment as the Best Small Business in
Canada for Pollution Prevention and the Best Greenhouse Gas Emission
Reduction project in Canada.
In September, 2004 the wash and fold service at the Beach Solar Laundromat was recognized by the City of Bremen, Germany with the Bremen Partnership Award. Under the patronage of the United Nations Environmental Programme, the award recognizes profound environmental innovation achieved in partnership with a non-goverment organization.
Canada has supported the solar installation through REDI.
