Quest Car Wash Case Study

Case Study: Auto Service Chain Takes Industry Leader Role in Sustainable Operations

THE SITUATION

A large car wash chain with hundreds of locations nationwide managed their environmental services and associated sustainability efforts through a decentralized approach. Each location would use their experience to address its operations’ basic needs and manage various vendors and processes available in the general marketplace.

A centralized methodology to ensure risk mitigation Greater continuity of services and service providers to better manage costs and service quality. The experience and insight needed to identify specific areas for improvement that are necessary to meet their corporate operational and sustainability goals. A comprehensive, single data source to drive more informed business and sustainability decisions.

THE APPROACH

The client’s situation was similar to other organizations making strides to align their operational, sustainability and ESG goals, with the demands of today’s customers, investors and government regulators. Quest started by collecting as much service and waste data as possible to gain a historical performance perspective for each location. Knowing that historical data is only a piece of the puzzle, we then performed in-depth waste audits to provide additional insight into where improvements could be realized.

Once the data was gathered and analyzed, a detailed implementation plan was developed, reviewed with the client, and  nalized based on the client’s business, sustainability and ESG goals.


THE PLAN INCLUDED

  • A detailed onboarding and ongoing management plan
  • A list of expected improvements to the client’s key performance indicators (KPIs)
  • The projected program costs

Leveraging our database of fully vetted and certified partners, we drove competitive pricing while ensuring quality service delivery, vendor consolidation and full compliance.

Using their customized portal, the client had 24/7/365 access to all program data to support their business decisions. In parallel, the client’s account service team of Quest specialists provided ongoing analysis and continuous business improvement for the program, including formal quarterly and annual business reviews.

THE BENEFITS

Specific enhancements that sprang from partnering with Quest: A jump from 50% to 80% landfill diversion rate along with a double-digit percentage cost savings. These factors are indicative of the overall improvement realized by the business.

With Quest’s support and expertise, the business realized savings in the six-figure range from these changes. One process in particular that led to reduced spending was our management of the vendor approval process, with specific emphasis on thorough vetting. Similarly, our provision of detailed, customized monthly reporting to the client’s EHS managers meant they saved the equivalent of 1-2 days of work per month.

These benefits, along with many others, meant this business’ zero-waste program went from a promising start to significantly more mature and capable, all thanks to
working with Quest.

THE PROPER CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE OF PIT WASTE OPERATIONS LED TO EXTRAORDINARY BENEFITS FOR THE COMPANY.

  • Reduced Water Cost: The volume of reclaimed water from operations increased dramatically, with sites having as much as 80% of their water requirements met through recycling sources. This reduces the long-term impact of future increases in city water costs.
  • Cleaner Operations: Proper pit servicing provided cleaner water – which, in turn, reduced the wear on facility equipment and produced cleaner cars and happier customers.
  • Sustainable Practices: Maximizing recycled water reduces corporate risk from climate change and the possibility of future water rationing in key regions.

CONTINUITY OF WASTE SERVICES HAS LED TO CLEANER, SAFER FACILITIES WITH IMPROVED COST MANAGEMENT

  • Service type and frequency are “right-sized” for each location, reducing the number of annual services while having no impact on operations or service quality for the client and their customers.
  • Completed services and the associated costs are verified against the service requests and contracts to ensure accuracy and completeness before being consolidated into a single client invoice.
  • Client has peace of mind that all work is being managed by a single expert source and performed by qualified vendors (permitted, insured, etc.) that execute safe, quality services.

GOVERNANCE IS IMPROVED AND PROVIDES A NEW LEVEL OF RISK MITIGATION.

  • Every service is fully compliant with city, state and federal laws and is monitored to ensure they meet the changing regulations for car washes.
  • Final disposition of waste can be verified to ensure sustainability and ESG data is accurate and complete.
  • Client portal provides on-demand access to all data and the ability to quickly analyze and respond to changing service needs.
  • Annual budgeting has been significantly improved due to improved accuracy and greater predictability.