Guidelines for green warehousing and distribution

When it comes to using green warehousing and distribution, many people are not aware of its benefits and the easy ways to maintain it. We have prepared simple guidelines when it comes going green so you can easily start your green project and understand the ways you can do it without investing a lot of money and time. 

Figure 1. It's true that green warehousing and distribution is the future of doing business. (Photo source: unsplash)

Why you should go for green warehousing and distribution?

A lot of people are not aware of the advantages they can get by going green with their warehouse. Let’s go through the main advantages of green warehousing and distribution you should definitely consider if you are thinking about taking this smart step for your organization. 

Financial aspect – it’s more affordable!

Let’s see the most obvious effect of having green warehousing and distribution. If there is any way to reduce your utility bills, why not go for it? Going green means your equipment will use less energy and therefore reducing the costs you usually have for the warehouse. This is especially important considering the working hours of the warehouse – almost all day long. Therefore, even the slightest change will have a great impact on your bill total. Motor-driven rollers you would use cost a lot less, compared to a traditional conveyor.  Furthermore, reduced energy usage results in a lower carbon footprint, another benefit to your business. 

Safety is improved 

Going green is not only cost-effective. It has tremendous benefits regarding the safety of the workers and the environment. Using the motor-driven roller you will be creating much quieter working conditions, reducing the risks of the workers suffering hearing damage. Also, the risks of hurting their fingers and ripping their clothes are much lower.

Using less land 

By using special automated storage systems, companies can significantly reduce land usage. Also, they could store more products in smaller spaces which can improve the overall organization of the warehouse. 

Saving the environment 

Green warehousing and distribution help to reduce waste production. Spaces like these help keeping your belongings safely stored  and therefore lowering the chances of them getting damaged. As a result, you’ll save a lot of plastic used to re-pack damaged products. 

Improve the reputation 

Being more responsible to your employees, products, and environment, your organization will build a certain reputation and raise you above the competition. Also, using less energy, having lower costs while doing more, will certainly give you an advantage over the other companies in the business.

How to go green and use green warehousing and distribution wisely?

When talking about the green solutions in warehousing, people often give up because they feel it requires a lot of time and money. However, you can adjust the process to your own needs, since there is no right and wrong. No matter to which extent you make your organization green, it’s still better and more effective than doing nothing. Here are the best ways in which warehousing and distribution of products can go green without a lot of effort.

Introduce automated systems 

The modern age makes automation the essential part of almost every business. Therefore, you can use automated systems in warehousing, too, where you can improve the effects of human work. Automated systems in warehousing are the best for all those everyday routine chores. This way you can make this monotonous work more time-effective and efficient. 

Bring that recycling game on 

Recycling is one of the best ways to improve your green game. A good recycling system is one of the simplest, yet most effective ways to reuse valuable resources as well as reduce carbon emissions. These systems are not difficult to start but can be very effective, especially if the employees go through the required education regarding that matter.

Figure 2. Recycling is a simple, yet important step in creating a green warehousing and distribution system (Photo source: unsplash)

Change the lighting 

LED light bulbs are one of the easiest ways to go green in your warehouse. Since spaces like these need a lot of artificial light, the effects of using low-energy bulbs will be visible immediately. However, as there are probably many light bulbs to change, it can be an expensive thing to do. If you are not ready to invest in such a thing right away, try doing it gradually. Try changing light bulbs bit by bit, until you replace all of them. This way, you won’t have to spend a lot of money immediately, but you’ll reduce the energy consumption and lower the costs as soon as you finish replacing the bulbs.

Think about the roof, too

Yes, the roof of your warehouse may be the last thing that comes to your mind. However, using a cool roof can help you have a greener environment very easily. If you feel that it absorbs a lot of light and heat, you can try coating it with special, light paint so it reflects the sunlight.

Insulation is important for green warehousing and distribution

Another way to cool down your warehouse space is to insulate it properly. If you keep the climate-controlled air where it belongs, you’ll have less trouble heating/cooling the space and therefore reducing the energy waste and also your bills.

Use electric forklifts

If you reduce the need for gas and oil, you’ll definitely save a lot of money and protect the environment at the same time. Electric forklifts will be safer for the people who work in your warehouse while doing the same amount of work as regular forklifts do.

Figure 3. Electric forklifts will make the warehouse much a safer place for your employees. (Photo source: unsplash)

Small changes in running the business

Having green warehousing and distribution systems is not the only way to be environmentally friendly. Another way to do this is by going paperless when running your business. Using the computer with the best operating system for sharing documents and emails instead of printing them is a great way to reduce paper usage and save a lot in the long-term. 

Using a greener solution for your business is definitely easy and simple. You’ll create a safer environment which is, at the same time, cost-effective. Green warehousing and distribution have never been easier to implement, and that’s definitely the future of doing the warehouse business. 

Acknowledgment:
We would like thank Lisa Robert for contributing this article