Pennsylvania Launderer Again Attains Clean Green Certification
CVR Uniforms of Shippensburg, Pa. has been recertified Clean Green, reflecting the company’s dedication to standards for operational efficiency and sustainability. The certification quantifies green performance by measuring adherence to TRSA-designated water and energy use thresholds and verifies use of green best management practices (BMPs) by inspecting laundry plant operations.
CVR Uniforms’ customers can be assured their uniforms, mats and other reusable textiles are washed, dried and finished with processes that maximize sustainability and reduce greenhouse emissions. Clean Green certified operations demonstrate significant commitment to conservation and green operations through these BMPs:
- Recovering heat from drained hot water and heat dispersed from the process of warming water
- Recapturing drained water from rinses for reuse
- Using environmentally friendly detergent
- Removing solids and liquids from wastewater
- Solar energy and energy-efficient lighting
- Recycling programs
- Re-routing trucks to save vehicle fuel
- Spill prevention plans
CVR Uniforms earned Clean Green certification initially in 2014. The designation is valid for three years at a time. TRSA approves documentation of water and energy use and BMP deployment through production reports submitted to auditors during the inspections. TRSA’s certification management protocol includes auditor training by the association’s inspection program administrator.
Clean Green encompasses the ASTM International standard, Guide for Sustainable Laundry Practices, which recognizes key criteria for the certification as universal indicators of maximum sustainability in commercial laundry work. ASTM’s review of TRSA BMPs verified these as the most effective and practical techniques for a laundry to achieve green objectives.
TRSA members prompted development of the ASTM standard, which was vetted in the sustainability subcommittee of the group’s Committee on Textiles. Top technical experts, scientists and environmental professionals from outside the linen, uniform and facility services industry reviewed the BMPs. ASTM is the global leader in developing and delivering voluntary consensus standards unparalleled in building consumer confidence in product and service quality.
“I applaud CVR Uniforms for their ongoing sustainability efforts and maintaining the highest standards in their production and delivery operations,” said Joseph Ricci, TRSA president and CEO. “Meeting all the criteria for certification is not easy, but the company is committed to industry-leading processes and technologies.”
For over 50 years and three generations, Cumberland Valley Rental (CVR) has been serving Central Pennsylvania, Maryland, and West Virginia. In 1976 the Fry family purchased Cumberland Valley Rental – originating as a Newville and Shippensburg based dry-cleaner, changing its name to CVR Uniforms in 2013. The company’s business model is a fusion of laundry rentals, direct sales, and safety clothing.