Bellevue College is getting its hands dirty. After washing, it dries its hands…sustainably? The simple, hygienic task is getting more sustainable as Facilities Operations changes the type of towel dispensers used in bathrooms.
Paper towel use in Bellevue College bathrooms is high, and it increases the carbon footprint of the campus. Moreover, the cost of paper towels adds up with every use. The environmental and financial costs of paper towels have been noticed by Facilities Operations, who are opting for a new system.
The change is simple – to switch from a center pull system (users take as much as they want) to a pull system (controlled number of sheets). By controlling the amount of output, the savings can add up.
What are some of the differences? Here are some statistics.
- On average, users pull 30 inches of towel from the old system. The new “pull” system reduces that by 12 inches.
- Per case of towels, the old system dries 1,440 hands. The new system dries 3,200 hands.
- Less paper use means less trees cut down. Also, less carbon ends up in the landfill.
- Assuming 12 inches of paper towel results in an output of 10 grams (approximately .02 pounds) of CO2 (not including production costs), the switch will reduce carbon footprint by 40% per use (shown below).
Although the new system contains more carbon per roll, by reducing the amount of paper dispensed per user the net CO2 impact per drying falls.
Beyond environmental improvements, moderating the amount of paper pulled saves money. That means tuition dollars are spent on more urgent matters.
To sum up, Bellevue College’s Facilities Operations are dispensing sustainability, one towel at a time. Next time you dry your hands, remember that
Last Updated November 19, 2013