Looking for eco-friendly ideas on what to consider when building or renovating your salon space? Use this checklist to keep sustainability in mind during your next construction or redesign project.
CONSTRUCTION
Construction & Waste Management
Hazardous waste must be handled in compliance to local regulations. Recycle, reuse or salvage non-hazardous waste generated as a result of demolition, land clearing, and construction activities.
Accessibility
When designing a space, prioritize accessibility by incorporating wide aisles, a wheelchair turning area, and a barrier-free entryway.
Eco-Responsible Materials
At least 50 per cent (in cost or weight) of construction and fit out materials respect (at least) one of the following:
– Include a portion of recycled materials or renewable materials (FSC or PEFC)
– Have been designed for an easy dismantling at end of life (eg: assembling without glue)
– Are upcycled
– Have a recognized environmental label
Low-Emitting Materials
To promote better indoor air quality, aim for 50 per cent of the materials used in construction and fit-out to be low-emitting. This can be achieved by using non-emitting materials such as stone, ceramic, powder-coated metals, plated or anodized metal, glass, concrete, clay brick, and unfinished or solid wood flooring. Alternatively, choose materials that are labeled for indoor air quality. It is also important to avoid the use of PVC and vinyl materials, especially for ceiling, flooring, wall panels, and any materials that come into contact with indoor air.
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
For customer entrances accessible from the street, consider installing one of the following solutions: a building entry vestibule with two normally closed doorways, an “air door” or “air curtain” for restricted areas, or revolving entrance doors for cold climate locations. These solutions help maintain indoor climate conditions and improve energy efficiency.
Water
When installing plumbing equipment, it is important to comply with the following requirements for water usage:
– Water closets for employees: 2/3.5 litres per flush
– Urinals for employees: 0.8 litres per flush
– Water closets for customers: 3/6 litres per flush
– Lavatory faucets: 2 litres per minute (with infrared detection at least for employees)
– Kitchen sink faucets: 2 litres per minute
– Showers: 6 litres per minute
By adhering to these guidelines, water consumption can be minimized, promoting water conservation and sustainability.
SALON ACTIVITY
Electricity
When possible, it is advisable to sign an electricity contract that guarantees the provision of 100 per cent of the project’s energy from green power, carbon offsets, or renewable energy certificates (RECs).
Low-Consuming Devices
When selecting electric equipment or salon tools, it is recommended to choose products that have labels indicating low energy consumption. Look for labels such as EnergyStar and Blue Angel, which certify energy-efficient performance.
Lighting
Implement LED lighting systems wherever possible.
To promote energy efficiency, consider equipping all back-of-house lighting fixtures, including general and additional lighting, with occupancy sensors.
To optimize energy usage, consider installing an automatic switch-off system for lighting when the salon is closed, with the exception of security and compulsory lighting. This ensures that lights are not left on unnecessarily, promoting energy efficiency.
Install lighting controls per zones in the space to separate general lighting and additional lighting. Ensure that the additional lighting, used to highlight products on shelves, is only switched on during operative hours, optimizing energy efficiency.
Water
Consider putting in place enhanced water saving strategies such as rainwater harvesting to water plants, taps with aerators, low-flow fixtures, water-efficient appliances, dual-flush water closet, and regular maintenance to fix leaks and reduce water waste.
Laundry
Switch to eco-friendly, plant-based laundry detergents free of harsh chemicals, and wash towels and linens in cold water whenever possible. Look into laundry sheets as they often come in minimal, recyclable packaging and are typically free of harsh chemicals. Maximize energy savings by air-drying laundry outdoors or on a drying rack when feasible.
Surface Cleaning
Ditch the harsh chemicals and opt for all-purpose cleaners made with plant-derived, biodegradable, and non-toxic ingredients. Purchase concentrated cleaning solutions and refill reusable spray bottles to reduce plastic waste. You can even create your own effective cleaners using simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils! Invest in high-quality microfibre cloths that can be washed and reused multiple times to reduce paper towel waste.
Single-Use Items
Minimize single use items in your salon, replace disposable wipes with washable microfibre cloths, colour-coded for different purposes, or invest in a reusable disinfectant wipe system. When gloves are unavoidable, opt for biodegradable or compostable options. Choose trash bags made from recycled plastic or biodegradable materials and utilize refillable dispensers for hand soap, lotion, and disinfectant.
PARTNERS
Production & Company Values
Support companies that align with your values. Choose products from companies that do not test on animals with vegan-friendly options free from animal-derived ingredients. Look for transparency regarding their sourcing and manufacturing processes and seek out companies that prioritize eco-conscious manufacturing using renewable energy, minimizing water usage, and reducing their carbon footprint.
Packaging
Look for products packaged in recyclable materials or those made from post-consumer recycled content. Consider brands offering refillable options to reduce single-use packaging. Whenever possible, opt for products with minimal packaging intensity or packaging that serves multiple purposes.
Ensure Second Life or Zero Waste to Landfill Wherever Possible
Consider partnering with a salon waste specialist such as Green Circle Salons and recover up to 95 per cent of your waste, including hair, foils, excess colour, and more. Make sure main waste streams can be stored in an area that is easily accessible and correctly sized according to waste production and waste collection frequencies.
EDUCATION & COMMUNICATION
Educate Your Team
To effectively educate your team on sustainable salon practices, begin by holding a dedicated meeting to set the stage and share your vision for a greener salon. Provide hands-on training sessions covering eco-friendly product knowledge, proper use of reusable tools, waste reduction techniques, and energy-saving measures. Most importantly, lead by example, actively participating in all eco-friendly initiatives yourself and encouraging feedback from your team.
Inform Your Clients
To ensure your clients are aware of your salon’s sustainable initiatives, use eye-catching salon signage, dedicate sections on your service menu and website, and share engaging content on social media that highlight your commitment to eco-friendly practices. Offer incentives like discounts or loyalty points for clients who participate in your recycling program or choose sustainable products. Engage in conversations with your clients about your sustainability journey, explaining your choices and highlighting eco-friendly options whenever possible.
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