Holistic Analysis and Optimization of Energy Use Across the Process Chain of a Laundry Business with an In-House Vehicle Fleet Using an Energy Efficiency Measures Catalogue

Commercial laundries are among the more energy-intensive service businesses, as washing, drying, and ironing require substantial amounts of thermal and electrical energy. In addition, fuel is required for delivery and transportation activities.

This Master's thesis investigates and analyzes the overall energy consumption along the entire process chain of a commercial laundry operation, including its company-owned vehicle fleet. Based on the collected consumption data, a catalogue of measures for optimizing energy use will be developed, with particularly promising energy-efficiency measures being examined in greater detail.

A further focus is placed on the potential of sector coupling, for example through the electrification of the vehicle fleet as well as the on-site generation and utilization of electricity. For the identified measures, potential CO₂ emission reductions will be quantified and assessed within an extended economic analysis that also considers future developments, such as increasing carbon prices and changing energy price dynamics.

In addition, the measures will be compared in terms of feasibility, urgency, and potential energy and cost savings, thereby providing a sound basis for decision-making and the future implementation of energy-efficiency measures within the company.