The Economic and Environmental Impact of Communal Laundry Spaces in High Density Housing in the UK

Abstract

The paper supplements data obtained in the course of a collaborative, EPSRC-funded research project (‘Environmental Assessment of Domestic Laundering’ led by the Mackintosh School of Architecture with Glasgow Caledonian University and the University of Strathclyde). The aim of the paper is to compare energy and related impacts from individual domestic washing and drying appliances with those for communal laundry facilities. Having set the historical context, including a rather unsatisfactory status quo with respect to standards and regulation, the methodology and data-acquisition for analysis is outlined. This involved face-to-face questionnaires and spot measurements with 100 representative households in Glasgow’s public sector (range of low-, medium- and high-rise) and longer-term measurements and diaries associated with 20 of these. Further questionnaire data from 36 housing providers with regard to communal facilities augmented extrapolations from short-term metrics in a specific shared laundry facility at the base of a 1960s tower block. Although further detailed work is suggested, the findings indicate distinct advantages for communal facilities of this nature, in particular with respect to the drying process. In this regard, not only are the energy loads much higher than those for washing, but also the negative consequences of various methods used in the home are potentially serious in terms of health and wellbeing. Concluding comments also recognize that a degree of flexibility and choice is desirable in terms of individual and shared approaches, and hence makes suggestions for a range of measures that might be incorporated in improved statutory and ‘best practice’ standards.