How a Brooklyn Laundromat Halved Energy Costs

Stanley Ng’s work is never done. The Boro Park Wash Center owner is always looking for new ways to save energy at his family-owned full-service laundromat.

This attention to energy savings has paid off – not only in reduced electricity bills, but also in recognition. In March, Boro Park Wash Center won National Grid’s monthly ‘B’ Green Challenge, a program to recognize small businesses in Brooklyn for energy efficiency accomplishments.

Ng’s award-winning efforts included new energy-efficient washers and dryers and more efficient lighting, plus an instant water heater that can hold 120 gallons of hot water at a time to serve the new washing machines.

“The ‘B’ Green Challenge provides a lot of simple energy saving tips, which inspired me to replace some of the older equipment in my laundromat,” explains Ng, pictured above with wife Wendy Ko, mother Jenny Ng, and National Grid manager of community and customer engagement Kiel Costella. “Some of the simple fixes can yield a huge savings. And best of all, we are going green.”

Located at 5321 Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn’s Borough Park, the Wash Center has been a neighborhood mainstay for 30 years. Ng is currently exploring additional efficiency options, including replacing the ventilation system, installing more insulation, and adding moisture sensors to the dryers to reduce excess drying time.

“Every time I walk into my business, I’m thinking about how I can save on energy costs,” says Ng.

The ‘B’ Green Challenge is presented with the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center. Participants answer monthly questions about how they are greening their facilities. The winner receives tickets to a Nets game or Barclays Center event, autographed Nets memorabilia, a plaque, and recognition on barclayscenter.com.