Warehouse operation can be very well thought out, with the primary objective of storing and shipping products all over the world but with so many priorities ahead of sustainability, energy efficiency is often forgotten about.
Here are the top six simple ways you can make your warehouse more efficient:
- Invest In Efficient Lighting
Outside your machinery, lighting will demand a lot of energy. Switching out your old warehouse lighting in favour of LED will save you a significant amount of money over time. It may cost you a little more upfront, but the financial benefits are huge and will make a significant difference in reducing your business’ carbon footprint.
According to Green Energy, the switch to LED lighting is 12% cheaper to operate annually than fluorescent lighting, so making the switching could significantly reduce your business energy bills.
- Consider Less Packaging
Packaging plays a huge part in may warehouses. Making this process a little more efficient will help reduce waste and save money. Less packaging could potentially be a gold mine for saving your business money. There’s a fine line when it comes to shipping prices, and as the price of postage depends on size and weight, that extra packaging could be bumping your costs up and eating into your profits.
- Recycle
Recycling is an easy system to put in place right away. Simple materials like cardboard and paper are likely to the main waste that comes from a warehouse, and for many businesses can be the first step towards becoming more sustainable.
- Switch Your Energy Supplier
Warehouses depend on energy to run smoothly, but that doesn’t mean you should pay over the odds for the privilege. If you haven’t switched your business energy in a while, there’s a chance you could have been moved onto an out of contract tariff, which is really expensive.
The simple way to check is to use the Love Energy Savings business energy comparison tool for the cheapest deals available.
- Invest in Solar Panels
If you would like to fully commit your business to reduce its carbon footprint, the quickest way is to invest in solar panels. Installing panels on your warehouse roof will not only reduce your energy bills, but it will provide your business with clean renewable energy.
By producing your own electricity, you will be less reliant on purchasing the energy you needs, and whilst you may not become fully self-sufficient, your business electricity costs will be greatly reduced especially with prices to double within the next ten years.
- Insulate your warehouse
Poor insulation is a common offender in many warehouses across the UK. Despite it being quite warm in summer, lack of insulation can drive up the energy costs of the business, and it can seem like it is impossible to heat. Investing in insulation won’t only significantly reduce your energy bills, but your employees will thank you for it too.
Whilst all the above can help your business cut a significant amount of cost, there needs to be a culture change within the business. It’s important to get warehouse staff to buy into these changes. Simply asking them for their opinion can be enough to get them engaged and help move the businesses towards becoming more sustainable.
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