The events were initiated by Ariel, which has developed washing products with special washing formula that enables efficient washing of clothes at only 30°C. Gorenje as one of the world leading producers of energy efficient washing machines was pleased to support the project. Gorenje’s and Ariel’s efforts were backed up by the Jožef Stefan Institute and the Centre for Energetic Efficiency that confirmed the energy efficiency calculations and the possible energy savings when doing the laundry at lower temperature. By setting in motion indoor bicycles it was shown in praxis how much energy is needed for doing laundry at 30 ºC. The electricity produced with bikes was converted into the symbolic amount of 2,500 euros and was donated to the Primary School Ledina in Ljubljana and the Primary School Drago Kobal in Maribor. Both schools will spend the money for improving the energy efficiency of their buildings.

Members of the Slovenian cycling clubs were invited to drive the indoor bikes; the passersby were also enabled to pedal the set bikes. Over 150 cyclists pedalled five indoor bikes in Ljubljana. Among them were also the pupils of the Primary School Ledina, Ljubljana mayor Mr. Zoran Jankovič, ultra cyclists Mr. Jure Robič and Mr. Marko Baloh and triathlete Mr. David Pleše as well as some journalists. The energy produced with driving bikes was simultaneously converted by a computer programme and shown on computer screens. Cyclists who participated at the Ljubljana events produced ca. 5 kWh power in seven hours.The power produced equals to the power that is spent if doing laundry 14 times at 30 ºC. In Maribor the bikes were set in motion by 110 cyclists who produced 3,5 kWh power. The schools will use the donation for exchanging ordinary light bulbs with energy efficient ones.

Doing the laundry is an essential household task in every household. Therefore, the costs for using electrical energy when washing clothes cannot be avoided. As with all household tasks less energy can be spent when doing laundry if measures in reducing the energy consumption are considered. Moreover, as less greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere, the washing of clothes has less negative impact on environment.

One of the measures that can be taken into account is to do laundry during the reduced rate periods in the evening and at the weekends. The age and the efficiency of washing machines also play a major role in energy consumption as older machines use much more electricity and water as the new washing machine models. 

Almost all Gorenje appliances are ranked in the highest energy efficiency classes (A, A+). The class to which an appliance belongs is marked on the energy label. Efficient household appliances from Gorenje range available on the Slovenian market are now labelled also with the ECO CARE green label that additionally calls the attention of consumers and stresses the importance of buying efficient appliances.

Very important is also to choose the right washing product that enables efficient washing and stain removal at lower temperatures. Ariel is aware of the importance of electricity reduction and it has developed a series of washing products for washing efficiently at 30 ºC. It calculated that ca. 30 percent of electricity consumed can be reduced if the washing temperature is lowered from 40 to 30 ºC.

• 90 percent of the electricity consumed during washing of clothes is used for water heating. Use electricity-efficient programmes to save energy: A washing cycle at 60 °C may take up to 50 percent less electricity than washing at 90 °C. By choosing a 30 °C washing programme instead of a 60 °C one up to 30 percent less power is used.  
• Do the laundry during reduction rate periods. Some washing machine models offer delayed start function.  
• Start the washing cycle only when the drum is full. Otherwise, select a half-load programme. Up to 25 percent of electricity can be saved.
• Leave out the pre-wash phase. In this way power consumption can be reduced by at least 10 percent.
• A dryer uses less energy if the laundry is thoroughly spun. Therefore a washing machine should enable spinning with at least 1,000 revolutions per minute. Spinning at 1,600 instead of 1,000 revolutions per minute can save up to 30 percent of power when drying laundry in a dryer.
• More efficient washing products and modern washing programmes for gentle care of laundry guarantee excellent washing results even when choosing a washing cycle at a lower temperature. Select a 30°C washing cycle instead of a 40°C washing cycle. In this way, at least 40 percent of power can be saved. Slightly dirty laundry washed at 30°C will remain for a longer period of time.  By reducing a 30°C washing cycle for 17 minutes further electricity can be saved.