Technology trends have changed the face of warehousing and have transformed the industry to become more streamlined and efficient. But, is there anything more that your warehouse should be doing? Increasing your warehouse’s environmental efficiency will lead to cost savings and improvements in productivity.
From the experts at The Material Handler, here are four ways to increase your warehouse’s environmental sustainability:
Change the Lighting
Switching out existing bulbs is perhaps the easiest and most effective change you can make for your warehouse. Although LED bulbs have a higher upfront cost, there are significant savings in the long term due to both energy efficiency and an extended lifetime. LED bulbs reduce energy consumption by up to 50%, the benefits of which can be strengthened by using motion sensors. If there are issues with turning lights off in your warehouse, motion sensors are an easy way to ensure it isn’t an issue in the future. Alternatively, paint walls a lighter colour to naturally brighten the space and reduce the need for more lighting.
Keep an Eye on Temperature
We all know that person who is constantly adjusting the thermostat, but fluctuating temperatures in your warehouse can be costly in terms of energy consumption and can lead to item damage due to mould and mildew. To keep a constant temperature, consider using a programmable thermostat. Fans are another effective solution as they circulate air and prevent hot pockets from forming. Layers of air at different temperatures can become an issue if your warehouse has high vertical ceilings. In this case, it is beneficial to also strategically place fans on the walls of the warehouse to create a climate boundary between the inside and outside of the building.
Better Insulation
Insulation is used as a barrier between the interior and exterior of a building that keeps hot air in during the winter and cool air in during the summer. A building that is insulated incorrectly leads to loss of heat and cooling from your HVAC or heating system. Research has shown that effective insulation can reduce heating costs by up to 40%. If you live in an extreme weather climate, your current insulation may need to be upgraded for optimal results. There are many different types of insulation and the ideal type depends on your building. Popular varieties include foam, sprayed foam, and insulating block solutions.
Enforce Recycling
Recycling is paramount in an industry that uses cardboard and paper in high quantities. To streamline your warehouse’s recycling, the first step is education. By creating a unified recycling plan, all employees will understand the policies and what to do with various materials. This will ensure the proper disposal of items as one of the main issues with recycling is contamination. Your warehouse may also require the special disposal of machine parts to avoid the leakage of toxins.
The Material Handler offers a variety of services, including pallet racking, mezzanines, modular offices, and warehouse design services that let you optimize space and efficiency. Improve your workflow today by calling 1-800-857-1315 or fill out our online request form.
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