By Jim Utter
Director of Journalism
In many industries, the move to more environmentally friendly policies can be prompted by a genuine concern to “be a good neighbor” or because governmental entities enact policies encouraging them – or a mixture of both.
The same can be said in the car wash industry but in recent years, eco-friendly policies have become just as important for owners in maintaining a profitable business.
The unique elements which dominate industry – the reliance on water, soaps and chemicals for instance – also present a profitable motivation for operators to promote recycling and reuse.
Simply put, using less water is a money saver at a car wash.
The adaptation of these sustainability measures has almost become second nature in the industry.
While consumers are more aware of the environmental impact of their choices, which lends many businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices, practices such as the use of water recycling systems, biodegradable soaps, and energy-efficient equipment are becoming almost necessities in the industry.
As a result, those practices may not always be promoted to entice new customers.
“The vast majority of car washes use a closed-loop system where water is filtered and reused,” said Peggy Flinn, the founder and principal of Flinnstone Strategies, a business and retail strategy consulting firm.
“However, one rarely sees car wash businesses talk about the best practices they are already employing that makes them a good sustainability citizen in their community.”
Even if positioning the car wash industry as environmentally friendly to attract eco-conscious consumers may not be a main marketing tool, eco-friendly policies are likely to play a role in the industry’s long-term viability.
Jose Costa, CEO of Whistle Express, which operates more than 130 locations, believes such policies are here to stay.
“I think that No. 1, as good citizens and executives running business, we should put that at the forefront,” he said. “We recycle about 80% of the water in all of car washes. We make sure that recycling systems are working. Reclaim systems are working.
Some people don’t keep up with their deferred maintenance, so your water bill goes up, but if you stay on top of it – No. 1 it’s good for the environment and No. 2, if you’re on top of it, it’s going to good for your P&L (profit and loss).”
Costa believes car wash operators will be looking more to technological advances to conserve energy.
“It’s not only water and chemicals but also how you use energy because the (wash) tunnels and the vacuums consume a lot of energy. So, we look at renewable energy,” he said.
“To the extent that we can, we’ve been evaluating the fleet vehicles within our brand. I would personally like to move to 100% either hybrid or electric.”
In the end, some sustainability issues will continue to be dictated by new governmental rules and laws.
“It’s the right thing in order to help with the environment,” Costa said, “but I think municipalities, they’re going to get stricter with limits, so we have to stay on top of it.”
