Enhancing Hygiene and Sustainability: Tanger Outlets Shopping Center Achieves WELL Certification with XLERATOR Hand Dryers with eHEPA Filtration Systems

The Tanger Outlets Shopping Center in Deer Park, New York, has long been a destination for shopping, dining, and family outings. Spanning 80 acres, the center serves millions of visitors each year, creating a high demand for clean and efficient restroom facilities. Recently, Tanger Outlets management took a bold step toward enhancing both visitor experience and sustainability by pursuing WELL Certification under the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) standards. Central to this initiative was retrofitting their 28 existing XLERATOR^® Hand Dryers to include Electrostatic HEPA (eHEPA^®) Filtration Systems from Excel Dryer.

Leading the Charge in Hygienic and Sustainable Hand Drying Solutions

Since opening in 2008, the Tanger Outlets Shopping Center has relied on XLERATOR Hand Dryers to provide fast, hygienic, and cost-effective hand-drying solutions. With increased awareness of hygiene and cleanliness post-COVID, the need to meet evolving customer expectations became a priority. By upgrading to Excel Dryer’s eHEPA filtration systems, Tanger Outlets took a proactive approach to restroom hygiene.

The eHEPA filtration system removes 99.999% of viruses and 99.97% of bacteria from the airstream at 0.3 microns, ensuring cleaner air in restrooms. This focus on restroom hygiene not only supports WELL Certification requirements but also elevates visitor confidence in the cleanliness of the facilities.

Achieving WELL Certification Goals

Pursuing WELL Certification required addressing multiple facets of human health, hygiene, and well-being. By retrofitting their XLERATOR Hand Dryers to include eHEPA filtration systems, the Tanger Outlets Shopping Center was able to meet these rigorous standards set by the IWBI while maintaining the reliability of their existing dryers. By choosing to retrofit their hand dryers instead of replacing them, the management also achieved significant cost savings while meeting their sustainability goals.

The Tanger Outlets Shopping Center’s Operations Director Stephen Dmuchowsky commented, “Customers benefit from a facility that’s sanitized and well-maintained. Using XLERATORs with eHEPA filters helps us create that experience.”

Building rating systems like WELL Certification and LEED are pivotal in setting benchmarks for health, sustainability, and efficiency in commercial spaces. Industry leaders, such as Drew Shula, Founder & CEO of the sustainability consulting firm The Verdical Group, emphasize the importance of these systems in fostering designs that prioritize human well-being and environmental responsibility. In this LinkedIn reel, Drew Shula shares key insights into the transformative impact of building rating systems and how they inspire innovation in facility design. These principles, along with frameworks like TRUE and Green Globes, underline the Tanger Outlets Shopping Center’s commitment to creating spaces that serve both people and the planet effectively.

Beyond Hygiene: A Commitment to Sustainability

Switching from paper towels to hand dryers equipped with eHEPA filtration systems drastically reduces waste, maintenance costs, and environmental impact. Tanger Outlets has benefited from lower energy usage and avoided the logistical challenges of paper towels, such as clogs and waste removal, resulting in better restroom hygiene. Plus, Excel Dryer’s product line of XLERATOR hand dryers provides up to a 94% reduction in carbon footprint versus paper towels, which was proven in the company’s recent Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), cementing them as a leader in sustainable hand drying solutions.

Dmuchowsky added, “Not a single one [dryer] has ever broken down—and it’s so much easier than dealing with messy paper towels. No clogs from flushed paper, and the dryers are far more hygienic.”

Why It Matters

In high-traffic environments like shopping centers, restroom cleanliness directly impacts customer satisfaction and the property’s reputation. Public restrooms are often a reflection of a facility’s commitment to quality, hygiene, and customer care. When visitors encounter clean, efficient, and sustainable restrooms, it leaves a lasting positive impression that encourages repeat visits and enhances brand loyalty.

For the Tanger Outlets Shopping Center, achieving WELL Certification demonstrates their dedication to prioritizing the health and well-being of their customers and employees. The decision to retrofit existing dryers with an eHEPA filtration system instead of replacing them highlights a resourceful and cost-effective approach to meeting stringent WELL Certification standards. This move not only reduced waste but also avoided the financial and environmental costs associated with paper towels, which often result in clogged plumbing, messy restrooms, and higher maintenance requirements.

In today’s competitive retail landscape, creating an inviting and health-conscious environment is no longer optional—it’s essential. Tanger Outlets has set a standard that other commercial facilities can follow, demonstrating that it’s possible to combine innovation, sustainability, and exceptional customer service in every aspect of operations.

Pioneering Clean, Green Restrooms: A Model for the Future

The partnership between Excel Dryer and the Tanger Outlets Shopping Center in Deer Park exemplifies how innovation can enhance visitor experience while promoting sustainability. If you’re inspired by this success story and want to explore how Excel Dryer can transform your facility, visit https://go.exceldryer.com/dryers.

Let’s design spaces that prioritize hygiene, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. Together, we can build a cleaner, greener future.