The Client
Moto is the UK’s leader in motorway services with 56 locations throughout the country. Water consumption across the sites is a major cost to the business as most visitors use the washroom facilities whilst stopping, so any major reduction helps Moto’s wider sustainability mission.
The company’s sustainability purpose is to become a net positive business by 2050, putting more back into the environment and society than it takes out. It recognises that long-term business success requires the integration of industry leading Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) practices and policies across the organisation.
Moto has developed the Positive Journeys ESG strategy to address the issues that matter most to the business, stakeholders and partners in achieving the company’s sustainability purpose.
The Brief
Moto is a long-standing customer with SaveMoneyCutCarbon and in 2021 the company was looking at options to upgrade the toilets across the estate and to standardise washroom services. They had a mix of low-flow and conventional WCs, and wanted a single solution that would deliver on four key criteria:
- Improved customer experience
- Water efficiency
- Hygiene
- Low maintenance and low operational costs.
They were planning to carry out some refurbishments across the estate in 2022.
The Solution
Chris Brooks, Brooks Head of Water Reduction, at SaveMoneyCutCarbon, recommended the Cistermiser Easyflush Direct as an option. The Easyflush Direct not only meets the criteria, it is also a uniquely different product.
The Easyflush Direct is a mains flushing solenoid valve with sensor flush operation. The solenoid’s open and shut time can be programmed with a remote control, enabling the flow rate to be fully adjustable, from minimal output to maximum flow.
A unique advantage of the mains flushing function is that there is no cistern and fewer moving parts. Mains flushing also means that there is no refill time after flush, which is ideal for a busy washroom with rapid customer throughput.
A further advantage is that the simple and minimal design means that the Easyflush Direct is virtually leak-proof and ongoing maintenance is low.
The product was first trialled at Moto Tamworth in selected areas where both robust performance and reliability was clearly demonstrated. The company then added the system to the specification list for a round of refurbishment projects in 2022.
Reduced costs from lower water consumption and savings on maintenance will mean a rapid return on investment.
In the spring / summer of 2022, the SaveMoneyCutCarbon Water Reduction installation team installed Easyflush Direct units across 6 sites, minimising washroom disruption for customers. The Performance and feedback on the upgrades was positive and met Moto’s reliability expectations.
After evaluation, a business case was developed in late 2022 to apply the system to 49 Moto sites as part of refurbishment and retrofit projects. The standardisation of facilities will achieve key savings across 407 inefficient toilets and all sites will benefit from improved customer experience and lower operational costs.
The technology was selected as one of a select group that will assist Moto in support with decarbonisation initiatives and ESG policy.
The SaveMoneyCutCarbon teams have currently (as of July 2024) completed Easyflush Direct installations at 46 Moto service areas across the UK on schedule and within budget. The remaining 3 service areas are planned for completion by the end of 2024.
