Case studies

Alongside this, 2008 saw the preparation and renewal of the Melbourne Airport Environment Strategy which outlines the programs, objectives, targets and actions for improving environmental performance at Melbourne Airport for the next five years.

An important part of this strategy is resource efficiency with an aspirational target of a 25% reduction in energy usage per square metre of APAM controlled terminal area by 2013.

This commitment to responsible growth sees the airport needing to maintain and create facilities for staff, tenants and surrounding communities that are consistent with the overall long-term vision of an airport that is safe, secure, efficient and environmentally sustainable.

The challenge

Melbourne Airport was receiving regular correspondence from tenants, airline staff, and the general public raising concerns about the hand drying facilities available in the airport bathrooms. In order to determine the extent of the concern, Melbourne Airport undertook a survey to determine action. The survey supported complaints that the existing hand dryers did not work properly, with sensors not activating, and that bathrooms were considered dirty due to the amount of paper towels left strewn on floors.

In response, Melbourne Airport began to look at alternative solutions that would overcome the complaints, and be in keeping with the organisation's environmental strategy and overall vision for the future.

The solution

Melbourne Airport Facilities Manager, Joe Cremona, first came across the Dyson Airblade™ hand dryer whilst visiting the 2008 Designex trade event. He was pleased with the benefits the product offered over conventional warm-air hand dryers and paper towels.

"I was initially impressed with the 10 second drying time, and the fact that it really did dry hands; my observations have been that where paper towels are not available, most people walk out of bathrooms shaking the water from their hands or wiping them on clothes," says Joe. "After the demonstration however, the environmental benefits were obvious when comparing the unit to paper towels and to other hand dryers that use a heating element over extended periods of time."

When asked about financial considerations, Joe stated "I've done calculations in terms of consumables only, essentially the purchase of paper towels. I haven't calculated waste or electrical savings yet, but even without this, the total cost of Airblades purchased is recoverable in just over a year."

The results

After experiencing the Dyson Airblade™hand dryer, Joe arranged for a unit to be installed for Melbourne Airport staff to trial. Following this initial trial period, 70 units were purchased for installation into terminal bathrooms. "There has been nothing but praise," says Joe.

"We've actually seen visitors departing bathrooms and redirecting their travelling companions inside to try out the ‘new hand dryers'." The feedback from Melbourne Airport staff and airline staff has also been positive.

Melbourne Airport has just purchased an additional 20 units to continue to fitout existing terminal bathrooms.

Melbourne Airport