Grand Central Terminal, New York
RETROFIT TEAM
HAND-DRYER INSTALLER: Grand Central Terminal Electrical and Mechanical Maintenance Team
MATERIALS
Grand Central Terminal was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. With the building and its rich history preserved, the first of many restoration projects commenced. As new technologies emerged, thoughtful planning was given to upgrading systems and integrating energy-efficient and sustainable products.
The restrooms have been an area of particular concern. Originally outfitted with paper-towel dispensers, restroom floors were often strewn with errant waste, and the sinks and toilets clogged with improperly disposed of paper towels, despite routine cleaning and maintenance. To eliminate these problems and other issues associated with paper towels, like the inherent labor, maintenance and waste, hand dryers were considered a sustainable solution. However, finding a product that could meet performance needs without compromising the integrity of the original architecture was a challenge.
While considering the XLERATOR hand dryer, the maintenance team learned it has a dry time of 8 seconds—tested to guidelines from the Global Hand Dryer PCR published by UL Environment—and it uses 80 percent less energy than conventional hand dryers. It represents a 95 percent cost savings when compared to paper towels, eliminating their labor, maintenance and waste. Eliminating paper towel waste also provides environmental benefits. A peer-reviewed (ISO 14040 standard) Life Cycle Assessment of XLERATOR confirmed it reduces the carbon footprint of hand drying by 50 to 75 percent compared to traditional hand dryers and even 100 percent recycled paper towels.
Ultimately, 24 XLERATOR Hand Dryers replaced paper towels throughout the public and office-space restrooms of the terminal. The sensor-activated dryers reduce touchpoints and feature custom covers with a vandal-resistant coating that fits in with the terminal’s décor.
XLERATOR MANUFACTURER: Excel Dryer
PHOTO: Excel Dryer