In schools and businesses, maintaining hygiene standards is essential, and hand drying plays a key role in this. When it comes to hand drying solutions, the choice between hand dryers and paper towels has long been debated. While paper towels may offer a quick fix, hand dryers are becoming increasingly popular for their financial, environmental, and health benefits. This article explores why hand dryers are a superior option, especially for schools and businesses in the UK.

1. Cost Benefits: Hand Dryers vs. Paper Towels

One of the most significant advantages of hand dryers over paper towels is the cost savings over time. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the costs involved:

Cost of Paper Towels

• Upfront and Ongoing Costs: Paper towels must be purchased continuously. In the UK, the average cost for a box of 5,000 paper towels is around £20-£30. A typical school or business with moderate foot traffic could easily use 2-3 boxes per week.
• Yearly Costs: At a conservative estimate of two boxes per week, the annual cost for paper towels is approximately £2,000 to £3,000, including refills, maintenance of dispensers, and waste disposal.
• Waste Disposal Costs: Using paper towels generates a substantial amount of waste, requiring regular disposal. This adds additional costs for waste removal services, potentially increasing expenses.

Cost of Hand Dryers

• Upfront Costs: High-speed hand dryers range from £200 to £500 for commercial models, depending on the brand and power. The initial installation cost may be slightly higher, but these dryers typically last 5-10 years with minimal maintenance.
• Energy Consumption: Modern hand dryers use between 0.15 to 0.25 kWh per dry. At an average cost of £0.34 per kWh in the UK, drying hands with a high-efficiency hand dryer costs around £0.05 per use. In a setting where a hand dryer is used 200 times per day, this results in approximately £365 in energy costs per year.
• Total Yearly Costs: Even with initial purchase, installation, and energy consumption, the yearly running cost for hand dryers remains significantly lower than the ongoing costs of paper towels.

In short, schools and businesses can save thousands of pounds annually by switching from paper towels to hand dryers, especially in high-traffic environments.

2. Environmental Benefits

Sustainability is a growing priority for many organisations. Hand dryers, particularly energy-efficient models, offer clear environmental advantages compared to paper towels.

Paper Towels and Waste

• Deforestation and Resource Use: Paper towels are made from trees, contributing to deforestation and habitat destruction. Producing paper towels also consumes large amounts of water, energy, and chemicals during the manufacturing process.
• Waste Generation: Paper towels cannot typically be recycled due to contamination from water and bacteria. Therefore, they end up in landfills, where they contribute to methane emissions as they decompose. A single user can generate up to 100-200 kg of paper towel waste annually.
• Transportation Emissions: The regular transportation of large volumes of paper towels contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, adding to their overall environmental footprint.

Hand Dryers and Energy Use

• Reduced Carbon Footprint: Although hand dryers do consume electricity, modern hand dryers are much more energy-efficient than earlier models. High-efficiency dryers use up to 80% less energy compared to traditional hand dryers.
• Less Waste: Since hand dryers eliminate the need for disposable paper products, they drastically reduce the volume of waste produced. Over the lifespan of a hand dryer, it can prevent hundreds of thousands of paper towels from ending up in landfills.

According to one study, switching from paper towels to energy-efficient hand dryers can reduce a business’s carbon footprint by up to 70%.

3. Hygiene and Health Benefits

Maintaining a high level of hygiene is critical in schools and businesses, particularly in settings with frequent visitors or a large workforce. Both paper towels and hand dryers have their place in hand hygiene, but modern hand dryers offer specific health-related advantages.

Paper Towels and Bacterial Spread

• Cross-Contamination: Paper towel dispensers often require users to pull a lever or touch a surface to dispense towels, which can lead to the spread of germs. Waste bins filled with used towels can also become a breeding ground for bacteria, creating additional hygiene risks.
• Lack of Consistency: Not all users will dry their hands thoroughly with paper towels, which can leave hands damp. Damp hands can spread up to 1,000 times more bacteria than dry hands.

Hand Dryers and Hygiene

• Touchless Technology: Most modern hand dryers are touch-free, reducing the chance of cross-contamination. Users simply place their hands beneath the dryer, which automatically activates, drying hands quickly without the need for physical contact.
• Advanced Filtration: Many new hand dryers come equipped with HEPA filters, which can remove up to 99.9% of bacteria and airborne particles from the air used to dry hands. This feature ensures that the air blown onto hands is clean and hygienic.
• Faster Drying Time: High-speed hand dryers can dry hands in 10-12 seconds, encouraging users to thoroughly dry their hands. Studies have shown that people are more likely to dry their hands completely with an efficient hand dryer, leading to fewer instances of bacterial spread compared to using paper towels.

4. Reduced Maintenance and Operational Efficiency

For schools and businesses, managing restroom facilities can be a time-consuming and costly task. Switching to hand dryers simplifies the process in several ways:

• Less Frequent Refills: With paper towels, maintenance staff must constantly refill dispensers and empty bins. This creates additional work and increases operational costs.
• Less Cleaning Required: Paper towels can often end up on the floor or clog drains, leading to extra cleaning or plumbing issues. Hand dryers eliminate this problem entirely, making restrooms cleaner and more presentable.
• Increased Staff Efficiency: Facilities management teams can focus on more important tasks when they are not tied up with restocking paper towels or managing waste disposal.

Conclusion

For schools and businesses in the UK, switching from paper towels to hand dryers is a smart, sustainable, and cost-effective decision. Not only do hand dryers offer substantial financial savings by eliminating the need for continuous paper towel purchases and disposal, but they also contribute positively to the environment by reducing waste and lowering carbon footprints. Additionally, modern hand dryers provide superior hygiene through touchless operation and advanced filtration systems.

As organisations strive to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and meet environmental goals, hand dryers provide a modern solution that benefits both the bottom line and the planet.

References:

• The Carbon Trust
• Dyson Airblade Environmental Impact Study
• UK Energy Savings Trust

Hot water is a necessity in schools and businesses, especially for making teas, coffees, and quick food preparations. While the standard UK plug-in kettle has been the go-to solution for years, wall-mounted hot water boilers are rapidly gaining popularity. Their efficiency, convenience, and energy-saving capabilities make them a superior choice for environments where hot water is frequently needed. In this article, we will explore the benefits of wall-mounted boilers over standard kettles, with a focus on the financial and energy efficiency aspects.

1. Energy Efficiency and Running Costs

Energy efficiency is one of the most significant benefits of using a wall-mounted hot water boiler over a plug-in kettle. Here’s a breakdown of how they compare:

Energy Consumption of a Standard UK Plug-In Kettle

• A standard kettle in the UK typically has a power rating of between 2 to 3 kW. On average, it takes around 2.5 kWh to boil a kettle full of water (1.5-2 liters).
• Boiling a full kettle once can take approximately 2 to 3 minutes, and it’s common for users to boil more water than necessary, leading to energy wastage.
• If you boil the kettle 10 times a day, the total daily energy consumption could range between 20 to 30 kWh per week.

Energy Consumption of a Wall-Mounted Hot Water Boiler

• A wall-mounted boiler is designed to keep water at a constant temperature, avoiding the need for repetitive boiling. Modern units typically have a power rating between 1 and 2 kW.
• These boilers consume electricity when heating the water initially and then maintain the water temperature with minimal energy consumption (typically around 0.2-0.5 kWh per hour).
• Over a day, a wall-mounted boiler serving 10 to 15 cups of tea or coffee would consume approximately 3 to 5 kWh, far less than the equivalent number of kettle boils.

Cost Comparison

The cost of running a kettle and a wall-mounted hot water boiler can vary depending on the frequency of use, but here’s a rough comparison:

• Standard Kettle: Assuming 10 boils per day at 2.5 kWh per boil and an average electricity rate of £0.34 per kWh, the daily cost of using a kettle is approximately £0.85 to £1.00, leading to a weekly cost of £6.00 to £7.00.
• Wall-Mounted Boiler: Using the boiler for the same number of drinks, with a total daily energy consumption of 3 to 5 kWh, at the same electricity rate of £0.34 per kWh, the daily cost is £1.02 to £1.70, but with the advantage of providing instant hot water without repeated boiling.

While the initial running cost of the boiler might seem comparable or slightly higher in certain cases, its efficiency in maintaining water temperature and reducing energy waste makes it far more cost-effective over time. For businesses and schools with high hot water demand, this leads to noticeable savings, especially during peak hours.

2. Convenience and Time Efficiency

In a busy school staff room or business office, time is of the essence. Using a kettle requires users to fill and wait for it to boil. In contrast, a wall-mounted hot water boiler provides instant access to boiling water, saving valuable time for teachers, employees, or customers. Here are some practical time-saving benefits:

• Instant Hot Water: With a wall-mounted boiler, hot water is available immediately, eliminating the waiting time associated with kettles.
• No Need for Repetitive Boiling: Once a kettle has boiled, the water quickly cools, requiring another boil for later uses. This repetitive cycle is not only time-consuming but also energy-wasting. Boilers are designed to maintain water at the desired temperature throughout the day.
• Reduced Staff Downtime: In businesses where employees take regular breaks for tea or coffee, having instant hot water can increase productivity by reducing downtime spent waiting for the kettle to boil.

3. Health and Safety Advantages

Safety is paramount, especially in environments such as schools or commercial kitchens. Wall-mounted hot water boilers offer significant safety benefits over traditional kettles:

• No Lifting and Pouring: Wall-mounted boilers are fixed in place, so users don’t need to lift or tip them, reducing the risk of spills and burns.
• Reduced Clutter: Kettles and their cords can clutter kitchen countertops, leading to potential hazards. Wall-mounted boilers eliminate this risk by freeing up counter space and removing trailing cables.
• Automatic Refill and Cut-Off Features: Most modern boilers come with auto-refill systems and safety cut-offs to prevent overheating or dry-boiling, features that kettles often lack.

4. Environmental Benefits

Using a wall-mounted boiler is an environmentally friendly choice, particularly in high-usage environments. Since kettles are often overfilled and reboiled, a lot of unnecessary energy is consumed. Wall-mounted boilers help in the following ways:

• Prevention of Water Waste: Boilers only heat the water needed and keep it at the required temperature, reducing overconsumption.
• Lower Energy Waste: Since they maintain a consistent temperature without frequent reboiling, wall-mounted boilers use less energy overall, contributing to lower carbon emissions.

5. Cost Over Time

While the upfront cost of a wall-mounted hot water boiler is higher than that of a standard kettle (which usually costs between £15 and £50), the long-term benefits outweigh the initial investment.

• Initial Costs: A good-quality wall-mounted boiler can cost between £500 and £800 depending on size and capacity. However, in environments where hot water is needed regularly, the return on investment comes from energy savings, reduced downtime, and improved safety.
• Reduced Replacement Frequency: Kettles, due to frequent use, often have shorter lifespans (1-3 years). Wall-mounted boilers are designed for heavy-duty use and typically last much longer (up to 10 years or more).

Conclusion

For schools and businesses with regular hot water needs, wall-mounted hot water boilers offer clear advantages over standard plug-in kettles. They are more energy-efficient, safer, and more convenient. While the initial installation may require more investment, the long-term savings in energy costs, along with the added benefits of reduced staff downtime and improved safety, make them an excellent choice for any high-usage environment. With rising energy costs and a growing focus on sustainability, upgrading to a wall-mounted boiler is a decision that pays off in multiple ways.

References:

• Energy Savings Trust

Experience the efficiency of a high-performance wall mounted hot water boilers, where every bit of energy is utilised.

In today’s workplace, a warm drink is considered a necessity. Javen Products hot water boilers ensures that you never miss out on this comforting indulgence.
Not only does it cost little to operate, but it also offers substantial savings compared to using a traditional kettle multiple times a day.
This not only impacts the environment but also adds to your expenses. (If you haven’t already check out our Environmental policy here)

Embrace the cost-effectiveness of our wall mounted hot water boiler and make a smart investment for your workplace. Minimal maintenance required.

At Javen, we go the extra mile by offering free service and maintenance with all our contracts. This provides you with peace of mind and significant savings.
By installing a hot water boiler, you not only save time but also boost productivity throughout the working day.

On average, our boilers dispense a whopping 162 cups of piping hot water daily and take just 16 minutes to warm up. Experience the convenience and safety that comes with our easy installation process, promoting a culture of safety while eliminating the hassle of boiling water manually. Say goodbye to the old-fashioned way of boiling cold water in a kettle, as all your hot water needs can be met effortlessly by simply pulling a lever.

Click on an image below to view products in our Range of hot water boilers

KEY BENEFITS AND FEATURES OF HOT WATER BOILERS

 Available in 2.5, 5 and 7.5 litre capacities

Power on indicator

 Easy installation with auto commissioning

Modular construction for ease of maintenance

Designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK

Biomaster® antimicrobial technology protects the unit from harmful bacteria for its lifetime

Intelliboil™ Plus technology for the efficient management of the boiling cycle

Integral electronic water conditioner makes Supreme less prone to scale

‘Temperature ready’ indicator confirms when ready to use

‘Are you drinking enough water?’

In all walks of life, we’ve all heard this phrase uttered at one time or another – and there’s a very good reason why.

Staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy. Being hydrated promotes cognitive development and if you’re a facilities manager in an educational setting, or part of a parents committee, there’s a good chance you’ve seen the effects that providing students with appropriate hydrational opportunities can have on their learning.

When we consider that 60% of our bodies are made up of water, the importance of staying hydrated cannot be overstated – especially during a student’s education.

Here at Borg & Overström, we know that water is the fundamental element that can inspire productivity, and with 20 years experience in design-led manufacturing of world renowned water systems, we understand the positive impact a well facilitated educational environment can have on students.

In this article, we explore the main reasons why staying hydrated in an educational environment is vital for a student’s development. By the end, you will know why hydration is critical for cognitive development and how to ensure your students stay hydrated.

View our list of Water Chillers : Click Here

Why is keeping students hydrated so important?

Did you know that staying hydrated is how our bodies transport nutrients to cells, regulate body temperature, lubricate our joints, and flush out all the waste and toxins from our system? In fact, every system in your body needs water to function properly, so it comes with no surprise that dehydration can have a variety of negative effects, including:

• Feeling tired
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Having a dry mouth, lips and eyes
• Feeling thirsty

Though the recommended daily intake of fluids can vary depending on height, weight, and climate, health experts typically state that everyone should be drinking close to 2 litres of water everyday. This includes unsweetened drinks such as tea, coffee, and sparkling water.

Research has shown that students today, especially in western society, are known to be particularly at risk of chronic dehydration. The combination of busy lesson schedules, the raised classroom temperatures, and the modern day push towards staying active – there are plenty of opportunities for students to become dehydrated should the surrounding environment not have the appropriate facilities.

With this research, Borg & Overström set out to solve this problem by designing a water system that perfectly matched the needs of students and staff alike. Knowing the importance of staying hydrated, the Borg & Overström B3 is the product of careful design and innovative thinking. Ergonomically designed to facilitate both adults and children – the B3 is championed as the first choice for all educational and healthcare environments.

Hydration in education

Providing access to drinking water gives students a healthy alternative to sugar-sweetened beverages. It helps to increase students’ overall water consumption, maintain hydration, and reduce energy intake if substituted for sugar-sweetened beverages

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

So, what is the current state of water facilities in a typical educational setting today?

Unfortunately, studies have shown that it is not uncommon for pupils to go six or seven hours without a single drink, and those who do drink usually drink less than they need. But why?

Well, In particular, the water refreshment facilities in schools are currently sparse and limited to either public water fountains or taps. With old metallic designs that require continuous cleaning maintenance, the sad truth is that these out-dated water fountains can harbour millions of harmful germs. So, despite studies demonstrating that students who are even mildly dehydrated can potentially lose concentration, and have a substantial decline in cognitive performance, the current facilities available are either unsuitable or unhygienic.

With a foundation set in the world of water systems, the Borg & Overström B3 actively combats these current issues. This high-class water cooler is perfect for dispensing clean, cool water into cups or bottles – essential for the student on the move. Featuring a touch-sensitive control panel, designed specifically to enhance hygiene maintenance, students no longer need to worry about the threat of harbouring germs and other contaminants that would be found on their old school water fountain.

Access to hydration is key in performing to the best of your ability – the simple act of drinking a glass of water can boost a person’s concentration, directly affecting their ability to learn and recall information. Indeed, a wide-range of studies have found direct correlations between cognitive processes and hydration levels, ranging from visual attention to cognitive understanding.

As well as enhancing a student’s concentration, staying hydrated can also impact performance within test situations. A BBC study has found that students who have bottled water on their desks during exams perform, on average, 5% better than those students who don’t.