Warehouse Sustainability: Why It Matters

Feb 09, 2021

Now more than ever, there’s a growing call to action for organizations to focus on environmental and social standards. These standards don’t just keep the world around us cleaner and greener, but it also helps to improve a business’ profits by improving efficiency, productivity, and its reputation for having a responsible business model.

While much of the focus is on transportation when it comes to creating a sustainable supply chain, that’s not where the biggest impact is made : “Buildings account for almost 40 percent of global energy-related CO2 and will play a major role in a sustainable transformation.” Whether it’s a new warehouse project or a renovation, there are several considerations to keep in mind to make it sustainable. 

All About Location

The location of a warehouse is the foundation of a supply chain’s sustainability initiatives. Last-mile delivery improvements and the eCommerce boom have pushed warehouses and distribution centers into more urban centers. Being closer to ports, airports and highways mean a shorter distance for inventory to travel. It also helps employees more easily get to and from work, which cuts down carbon emissions. 

Having a warehouse located in more developed urban areas also taps into existing infrastructure. Even when green strategies and sustainable materials are used, building out additional infrastructure (like utilities or plumbing) can detrimentally impact the environment.

Take It Inside

The good news is that there’s no shortage of tools and best practices that facility managers can leverage to make the interior of a warehouse more sustainable.

Construction materials: Use green insulation, avoid paint with chemicals, use naturally-occurring wood products — all of this will increase energy efficiency and improve indoor air quality.

Sensors: These are key for resource management, helping to automate warehouse systems like lighting, HVAC, and even equipment, turning it off when appropriate to save energy.

LED lighting: In warehouses, lighting takes up the majority of electricity. LED upgrades can be implemented in existing buildings as well as added to new construction design.

On the Exterior

It can be easy to think that all of the sustainability measures should be leveraged on the interior of a warehouse, but there are additional steps to take on the outside. Cool roofs are helping to keep energy costs down, and smarter landscaping with optimal water utilization can reduce use — especially in drought-prone areas. Solar power panels help supplement traditional power sources and reduce the electrical load. Warehouse loading dock doors and other entrances can be upgraded to close and open strategically, limiting exposure to the elements that could impact HVAC performance.

Other Ways to Stay Sustainable

Even the smallest moves can make a big difference when it comes to warehouse sustainability. 

Build up instead of out: Expanding your warehouse footprint doesn’t have to mean adding more square footage. Add shelving vertically to utilize space that’s above heads.

Add some fans: Large fans inside your warehouse help distribute the air more consistently, allowing HVAC systems to work smarter and not harder.

Invest in tech: Warehouse management systems and other tech tools can help give managers a look at real-time data that helps drive warehouse sustainability forward. 

Upgrade equipment: This falls under the tech umbrella. Innovations mean that equipment like forklifts can be autonomously managed and efficiently charged.

Recycle and reuse : When looking for vendors for warehouse supplies, find those who practice recycling and reuse, and implement recycling policies for warehouse employees.

Staying on Track

To fully understand how sustainable a warehouse can be, organizations must set goals and identify the metrics and milestones. Why does an organization decide to focus on sustainability? Is it to make a public statement? Or is it truly a goal to bring operations closer to net-zero (when a building generates energy equal to or less than they use)? Answering these questions will give warehouse managers, stakeholders, and leaders a clear idea if efforts are working.

Talk to the Pros

Once goals have been established and warehouse sustainability strategies have been employed, the next logical step is to partner with pros that have experience helping organizations with creating greener warehouses. Whether you’re looking for equipment for your newly purchased warehouse or you’re looking to replace aging warehouse supplies, Benco Industrial Equipment can help.

We also provide MacroAir fans, warehouse doors and docks, warehouse racks & racking, and we respond in minutes, not days, to assure our customers always have the material handling equipment they need to keep their warehouses running smoothly. Our staff is experienced in handling all sorts of industrial equipment issues, from forklift repair to installing new warehouse doors. Let’s work together to make your warehouse more sustainable.

Common Hazards in Your Warehouse (And How to Avoid Them)

08 Apr, 2024
Warehouses are the backbone of many industries, storing and distributing goods to keep the economy moving. However, behind the scenes of this logistical hub lurk various hazards that can pose severe risks to employees and property. Let's investigate some of the most common warehouse hazards and explore proactive mitigation strategies. Slips/Trips/Falls Slips, trips, and falls are among the most prevalent hazards in warehouse spaces. Spills, cluttered aisles, and uneven surfaces can easily lead to accidents if not adequately addressed. To prevent such incidents, warehouses should prioritize proper housekeeping, including regular cleaning and maintenance of floors. Additionally, using signage to highlight potential hazards and ensuring adequate lighting throughout the facility can significantly reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Fires Flammable materials and electrical equipment in warehouses make them susceptible to fires. Faulty wiring, improper storage of combustible materials, and lack of fire suppression systems can all contribute to the risk of fire outbreaks. Implementing preventive measures such as regular equipment maintenance, proper storage protocols for flammable materials, and employee training on fire safety procedures are crucial in mitigating this hazard. Harmful Substances Warehouses often house various chemicals and hazardous substances, which can pose risks to employees' health if not handled properly. Exposure to harmful substances can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and other serious health problems. To mitigate this hazard, warehouses should properly store and label hazardous materials, provide employees with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), ensure adequate ventilation systems, and conduct regular training on safe handling procedures. Falling Objects With shelves stacked high with merchandise, falling objects present a significant hazard in warehouses. Poorly secured storage systems, improper stacking of items, and inadequate safety measures can all increase the risk of objects falling and causing injury. Warehouses can minimize this risk by adequately securing shelves and storage systems, using barriers or guardrails to prevent objects from falling, and conducting regular inspections of overhead storage areas. Overexertion The physical demands of warehouse work can lead to overexertion injuries if employees lack adequate training or don't perform tasks ergonomically. Lifting heavy objects, repetitive motions, and working in awkward positions can all contribute to overexertion injuries such as strains and sprains. To prevent such injuries, warehouses should provide comprehensive training on proper lifting techniques, encourage the use of mechanical aids such as forklifts and pallet jacks, and implement ergonomic workstations to reduce strain on employees' bodies.

Common Inventory Management Mistakes

08 Mar, 2024
Effective inventory management practices influence the success of each warehouse, the supply chain, and the business at large. Inventory management involves many moving parts and elements – everything from the product catalog to the warehouse space to tracked KPIs. Experienced warehouse managers know that no matter how fool-proof your inventory management systems are, there’s always room to improve and prepare for unexpected circumstances. Let’s discuss common inventory management mistakes (and what to do instead). Overstocking or Understocking One of the most prevalent inventory management mistakes is maintaining too much or too little inventory. Overstocking ties up valuable capital and warehouse space, leading to increased carrying costs and a higher risk of obsolescence. On the other hand, understocking can result in stockouts, backorders, and dissatisfied customers. Businesses should leverage historical sales data, market trends, and advanced forecasting techniques to accurately predict demand and optimize inventory levels. Inaccurate Demand Forecasting Businesses are prone to making costly inventory planning errors without precise demand forecasting. Relying on outdated data or flawed forecasting methods can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. By utilizing advanced analytics and predictive modeling, businesses can better anticipate shifts in demand, seasonal fluctuations, and emerging trends, allowing for more informed inventory decisions and improved responsiveness to customer needs. Lack of Inventory Visibility Poor visibility into inventory levels across multiple locations or channels can result in operational inefficiencies and errors. Without real-time data on stock levels and movement, businesses may struggle to fulfill orders on time, leading to customer dissatisfaction and lost sales. Implementing integrated inventory management systems that provide comprehensive visibility into inventory across the supply chain can help businesses optimize inventory allocation, reduce stockouts, and improve overall operational performance.

A Beginner’s Guide to Electric Forklifts

By Denis Benden • 08 Feb, 2024
Efficient material handling is crucial for businesses of all sizes and industries. It directly impacts productivity, cost-effectiveness, and overall operational success. Effective material handling ensures that goods are moved, stored, and transported in a streamlined and organized manner, minimizing delays, damages, and errors. Electric forklifts play a significant role in effective material handling, transforming the […] The post A Beginner’s Guide to Electric Forklifts appeared first on Benco Industrial Equipment.
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