Water, Energy Conservation in Spotlight at TRSA Awards Dinner

Reuse of water as fresh supply dwindles in the Western U.S. and strategies to conserve resources in Canada earned the top honors (Gold) in the Clean Green Sustainability category of the 2025 TRSA Industry Awards. Awardees will be honored at a dinner at TRSA’s 15th Annual Legislative Conference, scheduled for Feb. 5-6 in Washington, DC, in 10 categories.

Brady Linen, PureStar Group, was recognized for water reuse systems in three Las Vegas plants. Highly cognizant of the need to limit water use and reduce wastewater discharge in a city that relies on the Colorado River, Brady Linen has reused water for close to a decade. High-efficiency tunnel washing began in 2015 and reuse systems were installed in 2018 and 2019. Water use per pound has been reduced around 60%, annual savings are 142 million gallons annually, or, based on 237 million pounds processed, 19 million cubic feet of water.

HLS Linen Services, Ottawa, has generated significant gas and water savings in its new facility. Gas cost has dropped 3.89 cents per kilogram; water costs, 2.66 cents. New equipment and an efficient workflow are cited for savings, including greater productivity in material-handling systems and more efficient plant space. Output has increased 50%, reducing the average price per kilo shipped to customers.

Concentrated wash formulas contribute. Energy audits identify energy-saving opportunities. Oxygen bleach is used instead of chlorine. Wash water has been recycled since 1988, reducing water use per kilo by two thirds. Not only does this save money, it has less impact on watercourses and translates into decreased costs to customers. The company also cites surface disinfection with UV-C light energy for avoiding chemical and water use, as well as prompting customers to switch from disposable to reusable gowns.

UniFirst Corp., Wilmington, MA, is a TRSA 2025 Silver award winner for strides in resource conservation. These include reduced emissions thanks to more than 2,000 high-efficiency solar panels at facilities in Austin and San Antonio (TX) and Stockton, CA. A pilot program has added 30 electric vehicles and the establishment of comprehensive charging infrastructure in various California locations. Companywide initiatives include LED lighting upgrades, water treatment and reuse practices and waste-stream optimization throughout North America.

Two TRSA Supplier Partner member companies earned honorable mention:

Penn Emblem Co., Trevose, PA, received Cintas Corp.’s Supplier Sustainability Stewardship Award, based on criteria that require such honorees to maintain environmental, human rights, and health and safety policies. Penn Emblem adheres to Cintas’ supplier compliance conduct code standards for social and environmental responsibility and fair labor practices.

Ecolab Textile Care, St. Paul, MN, has been honored for its 3D TRASAR wastewater and reuse program for linen and uniform services. It optimizes wastewater-treatment processes by addressing challenges faced by facilities that use dissolved air flotation (DAF), including high chemical costs, inefficiencies in water use and compliance risks.

The Legislative Conference offers members the opportunity to influence the industry’s advocacy agenda and impact TRSA initiatives. On Feb. 5, volunteer leaders gather in TRSA committees to share information regarding best-management practices, trends, innovations and issues impacting their professions, companies and customers. Preparation begins for visits the following day to Capitol Hill, where members raise awareness of the industry’s social, environmental and economic benefits, and educate legislators about its need for fair and balanced regulation. Keynoters at the conference include Kaplan Mobray, a Wharton graduate who started in advertising, championed diversity at Deloitte and now serves as a consultant to multinational companies. Author of 10Ks of Personal Branding, he’s recognized as one of the nation’s top business speakers for his leadership development workshops, which he’s staged on five continents, helping individuals globally to build their brand, become better leaders and advance their careers.

Click here to register for the conference.