Economic Sustainability
What impact will real-time data and AI tools have on setting targets for water and chemical consumption?
The more precisely we can determine the status quo of the system based on real-time data, the more precisely we can change certain parameters with the help of control loops. AI offers the possibility of recognising correlations that are not possible for human analysis due to the large amount of data. Changes in consumption data can thus be validated with the help of AI and tested for their sustainability impact.
Are there any other options that WashTec is currently investigating to improve the fresh water consumption of its car washes?
WashTec is constantly focusing on projects to minimise the fresh water consumption of the systems, including the project to reduce fresh water consumption in tunnel systems. There is scope to convert current fresh water consumers to process water in the medium term by adapting the chemistry and spray systems. In these projects, we rely on information from the networked systems, which provide us with real-time reports on consumption data. This information is used in the development process of our systems.
Can WashTec explain the sales targets for water treatment systems in more detail?
WashTec’s aim is for every suitable car wash on the market to work with water treatment if the available infrastructure allows it.
When does WashTec expect to disclose targets for the water and chemicals initiatives?
Here, we are subject to decisions on the use of water treatment plants or “green washing chemicals”, but also to regulatory, market-specific influences. In principle, we want to publish reliable and realistic targets. For the aspects of water and washing chemicals, we are currently examining which parameters are comprehensible and can be influenced by us and how we define the targets for them.
Does WashTec have information on the water efficiency of its systems compared to its competitors? If so, how does WashTec perform?
We see our systems as a benchmark here and want to set the standard rather than orientate ourselves to the competition. In the field, we have equipped some systems with advanced sensor technology and want to look at practical rather than theoretical values to determine efficiency. IOT allows us to retrieve and categorise the data from the field via the cloud. With the tender enquiries submitted, we can see that all competitors are in roughly the same range.
Is WashTec planning to expand its hazardous waste take-back initiatives to North American countries and export markets?
We check the take-back options for each market separately. In the USA, most of the canisters remain with the customer and are refilled.
When does WashTec intend to set a target for the use of sustainable materials based on the analysis of the current situation?
The materials used for washing systems are recyclable to a very high degree (>95%). We pay attention to biodegradability and environmental compatibility in the washing chemicals we use and avoid toxicity. We ensure that the chemical products used in a system neutralise themselves as far as possible in order to minimise the environmental impact.
Is there a guideline according to which new products are developed and to which employees can orientate themselves?
We have created a design guideline for this, which can be downloaded here in the download area. The requirements of this guideline have been communicated to the people working on the development process and are continuously incorporated into our developments. We realise that more than 95% of the materials we use in a portal system, for example, are recyclable and therefore highly resource-efficient. We expect to be able to integrate up to 98% of the materials used in recyclable quality. The aim of working in a resource-conserving manner and using materials and components that are as environmentally friendly as possible in the recycling system and harmonising this with economic operations will and must be a constant task for every company.
