A Guide to Green Warehousing & Sustainable Practices
Explore the world of environmentally mindful logistics and sustainable practices as we provide insights into green warehousing.
Sustainability is a top priority for businesses across all sectors and the logistics and warehousing industry must enhance its green credentials to meet consumer and stakeholder expectations. By embracing eco-friendly technologies, for example, warehouses can reduce their carbon footprint and limit their environmental impact.
Of course, increasing the sustainability of warehouse practices isn’t always straightforward. Companies and management teams will want to achieve enhanced sustainability without negatively impacting performance and outputs, which means a strategic approach is necessary to achieve environmental and commercial goals.
Fortunately, there are ways for the warehousing and logistics industry to maintain and even exceed commercial performance while incorporating sustainable warehouse practices. To find out more, take a look at these seven ways green warehousing can be achieved:
1. Switch to Eco-Friendly Lighting
Lighting accounts for a significant proportion of energy consumption in a warehouse environment and it’s vital that appropriate lighting is available at all times to maximise workplace safety. However, environmental gains can be made by switching to eco-friendly options, such as LED bulbs.
In addition to this, warehouses can utilise automated or motion-sensor lighting systems to minimise usage while ensuring that adequate lighting is always available.
While these may seem like relatively minor changes, they can have a notable impact on energy usage and, therefore, on the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that are attributable to the warehouse and/or its parent company.
2. Roll Out Electric Vehicles
Numerous types of vehicles and machinery are used to move stock within a warehouse environment, but fuel-powered vehicles are known to pollute the environment and emit dangerous toxins. Fortunately, the increasing use of electric-powered vehicles allows us to create a healthier work environment and embrace sustainable warehouse practices.
Electric forklifts can be a great option for green warehousing, for example. In addition to producing zero emissions, they operate at a lower volume than fuel-powered alternatives and, therefore, create a more comfortable working environment. What’s more – electric forklifts typically require less servicing and maintenance than fuel-powered machinery, which means operating costs can be reduced too.
3. Install Solar Panels
Any business, including warehousing and logistics company, can purchase green energy from the grid, but this isn’t the only way to switch to renewable energy. The design and structure of warehouse buildings make them an ideal application for solar panels, which can convert sunlight into electrical energy.
While there is an initial investment cost associated with this type of green warehousing, there can also be significant returns available. Once installed, warehouses can generate on-site, renewable energy, which reduces their reliance on the grid and on fossil fuels. As a result, energy costs and emissions can be reduced, leading to both environmental and financial benefits.
4. Implement Recycling Initiatives
Reusing and recycling materials are top sustainable warehouse practices and, fortunately, they are easy to implement. To achieve maximum performance, conduct an internal audit to determine which materials can be reused or recycled. Then, simply update your existing workflows to facilitate the reuse of materials wherever possible.
For materials that can be recycled but not reused, ensure you have adequate recycling provisions on site, such as dedicated bins or containers for specific materials. With dedicated services that collect recyclates from commercial locations, you can arrange for these to be picked up and processed at regular intervals.
Remember – educate your staff about new recycling initiatives so that team members are aware of how and where to dispose of materials.
5. Use High Density Storage Systems
The way in which items are stored within a warehouse has a major impact on performance and efficiency but it can also affect sustainability. A poorly organised warehouse will result in reduced efficiency, for example, whereas the unnecessary use of space will mean you need a larger warehouse layout.
In contrast, compact storage areas using high-density systems allow you to store items safely and in an organised fashion. Furthermore, high-density storage systems allow warehouses to function with a smaller footprint, thus reducing resource consumption and facilitating more sustainable warehouse practices.
6. Choose an Optimal Location
If you’re considering opening a new warehouse or expanding your operations, then the location you choose can be part of your sustainability strategy.
Smaller warehouses or fulfilment centres can be situated closer to customers, which reduces subsequent transport requirements, for example. In addition to this, logistics and fulfilment companies can offer faster delivery times when warehouses are locating in or close to urban environments.
With the potential to enhance customer satisfaction and transition to green warehousing, choosing an optimal location for new and future warehouses can be a savvy way to boost your sustainable profile.
7. Enhanced Temperature Control
Maintaining a specific temperature range is important in warehouses, both in terms of maintaining stock and creating a safe working environment. However, heating and cooling accounts for a substantial proportion of energy usage, so it’s important to incorporate sustainable warehouse practices into your HVAC protocols.
Firstly, consider whether modifications can be made to the structure of the building to facilitate more efficient heating and cooling. Added insulation can increase the thermal mass of the structure and help reduce heat loss, for example, while window treatments can limit the incoming heat and help keep areas cool.
When HVAC systems are required, look for sustainable options that use non-toxic components instead of traditional refrigerants and power these systems with renewable energies to reduce emissions and keep your carbon footprint as low as possible.
The Future of Green Warehousing
As environmental regulations increase and consumer demand for sustainable products continues to grow, it’s more important than ever to incorporate sustainable warehouse practices into your operations.
As the tips above show, increasing sustainability doesn’t not have to come at the cost of commercial success. In fact, it’s possible to improve the eco-friendliness of your operations while reducing costs and increasing profitability.
Also make sure to check out our other blogs on the latest warehouse technology trends, how to improve warehouse safety, the ultimate warehouse compliance checklist, and how to improve warehouse efficiency.
At Premier Fork Lifts, we’re committed to helping our clients achieve their sustainable goals and offer a variety of electric forklifts that deliver optimal performance and zero emissions. To find out more, contact our expert team today on 01254 583 533 or email us at enquiries@premierlifttrucks.co.uk.
