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12. Existing recycling infrastructure – when comparing the different alternatives,
the existing infrastructure, which makes the recycling possible, must be
considered. The recycling markings on the package are misleading if there
is no recycling system for the material. A waste disposal system IS NOT a
recycling system.
5.4.8 Sustainable distribution centres
Incorporating sustainability initiatives into warehouses and distribution centres
(DCs), design is proving to be a win-win proposition. It mitigates harmful effects on
the environment, encourages worker safety and comfort, while winning the respect of
your customers and community. However, from a more critical business perspective, it
also lowers operating costs, ultimately improving a company’s financial performance.
Even older trends are being given a fresh look, incorporating newer technologies
and innovative techniques. Let’s examine how your traditional warehouse environment
can be developed so as to help build sustainable strategies that benefit business,
customers and the planet. Though we can’t possibly mention them all, what follows
are seven of the more popular trends gaining momentum in the sustainable design of
warehouses and DCs [1]:
1. Location, location, location
The primary energy use in a DC is actually not the building itself but rather
the transportation that services that building. With this in mind, distribution centres
should be located where it makes sense primarily in terms of the logistics model. That is
the greatest impact on sustainability.
Companies are turning to network studies to investigate moving their distribution
facilities closer to inbound ports or closer to customers to save local transportation
energy consumption – and subsequently reduce environmental emissions. The latest
modelling tools literally calculate a company’s supply chain carbon footprint for its
plants, its warehouses and its different modes of transportation.
This is then factored into the decision-making process for locating DCs in an
optimised, more energy-efficient distribution network. To make an even bigger dent
in the costs and your carbon footprint, experts suggest optimising truck capacity and
developing more efficient transportation routes.
2. Better lighting
Sustainability in lighting has always been one of the most popular initiatives;
that’s because the percentage of energy attributed to lighting a facility is quite high.
It typically represents about 30 percent of the energy use in a DC. One of the more
popular lighting strategies is ‘daylighting.’ Just recently at Coca-Cola, daylight tubes
were integrated well as clearstory glass to bring light into the distribution centre. Light
fixtures with daylighting sensors were installed in this facility so that the building can
often operate without any artificial lighting. There was also an increase in employee
productivity and attendance when working in an environment with natural light.
Further improvement can be achieved by complementing artificial lighting with
occupancy sensors. Artificial lighting can be tuned off in parts of the warehouse that are