Environmental Assessment of Domestic Laundering

Lead Research Organisation: Glasgow School of Art
Department Name: Mackintosh School of Architecture

Abstract

Summary Inadequate provision is currently made for energy-efficient domestic laundering, particularly drying, in the case of social housing (most stressed in terms of occupants' provision, or lack of it, and habits relating to laundering; but its status also has relevance for the rented and home-owning private sectors). Poor facilities for drying, ironing and airing indoors is also likely to induce other negative environmental impacts - e.g. either high ventilation with its concomitant energy penalty, or high humidity levels, increasing risk of mildew, mould, and large populations of dust mites and attendant vulnerability to asthma and other respiratory complaints.The volume of rooms used to dry clothes, the intensity of their occupation and means of cooking, if sharing space with drying, will also influence humidity and associated indicators of air quality such as levels of CO2. Tumble driers, if used, are inherently energy-intensive, and un-vented models, or unconnected vented ones, risk further detriment to the internal environment as indicated above. Given historical changes in domestic laundering (e.g. from hand-washing to top-loading twin-tubs and front-loading, fast-spin automatics; and passive drying on 'pulleys' to parasitic drying on radiators and tumble driers), including consequent influences indoors, the initial aim of this study (objectives 1-3), is to evaluate current energy consumption and efficiency, together with associated unwelcome, unhealthy or damaging environmental impacts within the home, and to identify specific design and control cruxes (e.g. designer/procurer: lack of suitable drying facility and low ceilings; designer/procurer and user: use of radiators at maximum setting and open windows to aid drying, including when heating is not required). A consequent aim is to suggest practical guidance and solutions to address the predominant environmental deficits, including potential for heat recovery from 'grey' water and air. A holistic environmental evaluation of a representative range of household laundering habits will be achieved through a series of surveys which will elicit key parameters, including occupancy patterns, room layout, drying practices and motivation, construction and furnishing. This work will then be extended by means of an incremental series of 'what if?' scenarios using a detailed dynamic modelling tool, the aim being to identify critical parameters that affect habitability and affordability as well as significantly compromise energy efficiency. To enable this stage of the research, it is intended that work on detailed measurement of humidity in materials (Glasgow Caledonian University) will be used to enhance the integrated modelling expertise of ESRU (University of Strathclyde). The research proposed will be the first to quantify the moisture loads due to domestic laundering, in turn forming the basis of modelling studies that will help to identify solutions to the energy, environmental and cost impacts.

Publications

10 25 50
 
Description The Design Guide has been referenced by several housing Associations in the creation of new homes in the public sector. Architects and Designers have been in contact with the PI and CI to clarify construction material recommendations to allow them to specify in the design of new homes.
First Year Of Impact 2013
Sector Construction,Environment
Impact Types Policy & public services

 
Description Best practice guidance for housing providers and designers titled 'Design Guide: Healthy Low Energy Home Laundering'
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Implementation circular/rapid advice/letter to e.g. Ministry of Health
Impact In 2012 the project produced a Design Guide: Healthy Low Energy Home Laundering which provides a critical body of knowledge of environmental impacts having significance for the health and wellbeing of occupants. Based on the evidence, the design guide provides technical guidance on design upgrades to existing building stock to mitigate energy consumed and any undesirable side effects with respect to air quality or the fabric and contents inside homes. The project's findings were presented to the Scottish Government's Building Standards Division and at seminars aimed at audiences (such as housing association managers) that can instigate meaningful change. Public engagement through media coverage has raised awareness of the impacts on health and energy consumption in order to change laundry practices in the home. The project gained significant public interest and was featured as a key news story on the BBC network both in the UK and overseas. In addition, the news article was published in over 200 media outlets worldwide.
 
Description Technology Strategy Board
Amount £47,253 (GBP)
Funding ID 450055 
Organisation Innovate UK 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 12/2011 
End 10/2012
 
Description Technology Strategy Board
Amount £149,872 (GBP)
Funding ID 450064 
Organisation Innovate UK 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 03/2012 
End 06/2014
 
Description Media Coverage of the publication of the' Design Guide: Healthy Low Energy Home Laundering' 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Radio and TV coverage of on 2nd November 2012. This included a recorded TV news clip and live radio interviews. The research outcomes were also headline news throughout the BBC national network throughout the day. In addition, the research formed the basis for discussions on BBC Breakfast TV and radio phone-in sessions highlighting the level of public interest in the research outcomes.



BBC Radio Scotland - GMS

BBC Breakfast News TV (UK Network)

Reporting Scotland lunch and evening

The World at One (BBC Radio 4)

The Jeremy Vine Show (BBC Radio 2)

BBC Radio 5 Live

All BBC Radio local news stations

BBC World Wide

Headlines on BBC network radio throughout the day
.

Extensive news coverage of the research outcomes across TV, Radio, Press, Internet and social media outlets.
.

Beneficiaries: Public Health professionals, homeowners, housing providers

Contribution Method: Public awareness of the environmental and economic impact of drying clothes at home.

Public awareness of the environmental and economic impact of drying clothes at home.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2012