Reducing environmental impact is an increasingly high priority for businesses across industries. In 2021, only 12% of companies claimed that sustainability was a high priority, a number that jumped to 80% in 2022. Part of this shift involves greener, sustainable warehousing designs and practices.
| Rick Nelson, CEO of The Fulfillment Lab, says that “adopting sustainable warehouse practices is as much about adapting to new market demands as it is about protecting the environment.” What he means is that there are several auxiliary benefits to sustainable warehousing, including lower costs and resilience to potential regulation changes. |
If you're interested in moving your warehouse in this direction, our guide is here to help. In this article, we will cover the following topics.
Why Sustainable Warehouse Management Matters
Warehousing activities account for 11% of all greenhouse gas emissions from the logistics industry. The reason is because warehousing requires significant energy for lighting, heating, cooling, and equipment operations. High emissions also result from inefficient storage systems and excessive use of fossil fuel-powered machinery.
However, moving to sustainable warehouse operations provides benefits to you as a business owner as well as to the environment. Efficient systems lower operational costs by using resources effectively. For example, energy-efficient lighting and equipment reduce electricity usage, therefore reducing your energy bills.
Sustainability practices will also enhance your company’s reputation with eco-conscious customers. 46% of consumers choose businesses that they view as environmentally responsible over competitors who are not perceived the same way. So, this approach helps you attract and retain loyal customers. That same research showed that consumers are willing to pay 9.7% more for sustainable options.
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6 Warehouse Sustainability Ideas
1. Optimize Your Shipping Routes
Many shippers prioritize speed above all else. While timely deliveries are important, speed shouldn’t come at the expense of efficiency. Ignoring all factors other than speed leads to partial loads and increased fuel consumption.
Instead, try to optimize shipping routes and consolidate shipments. You can use logistics software to plan efficient routes and work with carriers that offer carbon-neutral shipping options.
2. Better Space Utilization
Poorly organized storage layouts waste space and resources.That’s because overcrowding increases your need for physical storage expansion. Expanding a warehouse involves clearing land, which disrupts local ecosystems and reduces green spaces. This loss decreases biodiversity and removes natural carbon sinks that absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere.
To avoid the need for physical expansion, use vertical storage systems and modular racking to maximize available space. Inventory management software can also be used to ensure that items are stored correctly.
3. Energy-Efficient Equipment
Warehouses traditionally use standard motors, conveyor systems, and material-handling equipment that consume large amounts of energy. Implement variable frequency drives (VFDs) on motors to adjust their speed based on real-time demand. You may also consider replacing older machinery with energy-efficient alternatives designed to minimize power consumption.
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4. Recycled Packaging Materials
Warehouses frequently use new cardboard boxes, plastic wraps, and other single-use packaging materials. These contribute to environmental waste and increase disposal costs.
Switch to recycled or reusable packaging materials like recycled cardboard, biodegradable wraps, and reusable bins. Work with your suppliers to source these materials and train staff to reuse packaging whenever possible.
5. Waste Heat Recovery
Warehouse operations waste heat generated by equipment and HVAC systems, which could otherwise be reused. Install heat recovery systems that capture and repurpose heat for other uses, such as warming office spaces or preheating water. Work with an HVAC contractor to integrate these systems into your existing setup.
6. Smart Lighting Systems
Many warehouses still use fluorescent or halogen lighting, which consumes more energy than necessary. These lights also often remain on outside business hours. Replace them with LED lighting systems that are more energy-efficient and durable. Also, install motion sensors or automated lighting controls to turn lights off when areas are unoccupied.
How You Can Encourage Staff to Help You Maintain a Sustainable Warehouse
Provide Sustainability Training
Sustainability training equips staff with the knowledge to adopt environmentally conscious practices. Focus on actions that significantly reduce energy use, such as turning off idle equipment and optimizing lighting usage. Highlight how reducing waste and recycling directly impact the organization’s long-term sustainability goals in your training efforts.
Set Up Clear Guidelines
Clear guidelines help staff understand how to incorporate sustainability into their workflows. Include step-by-step instructions for waste management and other processes that reduce energy costs. Post these instructions in visible areas like break rooms or near workstations. Clear protocols reduce ambiguity and encourage consistent participation in sustainability efforts.
Simplify Recycling Processes
Easily accessible and clearly labeled recycling bins improve efficiency and participation in waste reduction. Train staff to understand recycling rules to avoid contamination of materials. Reducing waste is often as simple as clarification. Research shows that even though 95% of Americans recycle, only 49% do it correctly.
Source: Daily Advocate
Equip Workstations with Eco-Friendly Supplies
Stock workstations with reusable or recyclable materials, such as refillable markers, recycled paper, or biodegradable packaging supplies. Recyclable and reusable supplies minimize unnecessary waste. These small changes add up and will affect energy consumption patterns across the warehouse.
Encourage Proper Equipment Maintenance
Regular maintenance of warehouse equipment can reduce energy costs by ensuring devices operate efficiently. Train staff to identify and report issues like excessive energy use or leaks immediately. Proper maintenance also supports long-term operational efficiency by preventing costly repairs.
Lead by Example
Demonstrating sustainable habits, such as turning off unused lights or using reusable materials, inspires staff to follow suit. Visible leadership efforts show a commitment to reducing waste and improving energy use. This approach reinforces sustainability as a core value of your operations.
Minimize Your Environmental Impact Using Digital Solutions
Paperless solutions are often a key aspect of sustainability initiatives. On average, 70% of a typical business’ waste is paper waste and order fulfillment contributes to this amount. While you can’t eliminate paper usage altogether in shipping, you can use digital tools to lower it.
The Fulfillment Lab’s GFS™ software digitizes inventory tracking and order processing. As a result, you’ll have less need for paper inventory logs, order sheets, and manual records.
Plus, our automated data sharing between eCommerce platforms and fulfillment services eliminates the need for printing packing slips or shipping labels locally, as these can be generated electronically and applied at fulfillment centers.
Explore our solutions today as part of your sustainable warehouse initiative.