With the ever-growing importance and issues of climate change impacting our future, it’s wise to keep an eye on your ecological footprint and know how to improve the sustainability in your warehouse. From using energy efficient equipment to installing mezzanine flooring that utilises your space, there are many actions you can take to reduce your carbon footprint.
Warehouses play a pivotal role for many businesses, however they can also be very taxing on the environment. The government’s 2020 Energy White Paper established Net Zero policies, confirming that by 2030, rented non-domestic buildings must meet a minimum energy efficiency standard of EPC B. So it’s more valuable than ever to understand sustainability and the steps you can take to improve yours.
Energy Efficient Equipment
Installing new energy efficient equipment can help to drastically reduce your carbon footprint and your bills. Whether you upgrade your HVAC system to a more efficient model or simply replace your current lighting with better graded bulbs, these small changes can make big differences
Older warehouses may have been built with metal halide lamps that emit, on average, between 70 and 100 lumens per watt, with this reducing during its lifespan. When compared to LED lights, these emit the same amount of lumens per watt but have a much longer lifespan, do not lose their efficiency and cost less to run. So although the initial costs may be higher to update your lighting to LED, the long-term benefits can see improvements in your sustainability and a reduction in your energy bills.
Utilise Your Space
Utilising your space can improve your sustainability across your warehouse and can be achieved in many different ways. Here at MPC Systems, we have decades of experience in helping businesses across the UK utilise every square metre of their space.
- Better Storage Solutions
Improving your storage by having better organisation or utilising your vertical storage space can help to cut down on your emissions. This helps to avoid the need for extra space, reducing the environmental impact of building large facilities.
- Improved Organisation
Creating a more structured and organised warehouse can benefit both your business operations and your environmental output. One way to achieve better organisation is through the installation of partitioning. Installing single skin or double skin steel partitions can help create specified zones for storage, secure cages or specialised work areas.
- Mezzanine Flooring
Mezzanine flooring is the perfect solution for utilising your vertical space. Whether you are looking to create an elevated workspace, a separate office or extra storage, mezzanine is the answer. This flooring solution is able to accommodate extreme load capacities, ranging from 3.5kN to 7kN, making them suited to a number of applications.
At MPC Systems, we offer bespoke mezzanine flooring that is tailored to your specific needs. Due to its versatility, mezzanines can be moved and altered easily should your needs change. Get in touch with our team to discuss your mezzanine requirements and we’ll offer innovative and cost effective solutions to utilise your warehouse space.
Improve Automation
Improving automation in warehouses benefits your sustainability by streamlining operations and reducing resource consumption. By having automated systems, such as robotic manufacturing arms, conveyor belts and electric vehicles, you can optimise your warehouse operations to minimise energy use. These systems operate with precision, reducing errors and saving time and materials, leading to a more sustainable environment.
Set Sustainability Goals
By setting sustainability goals, you can keep on top of your progress and ensure you are on target to reach these goals. Define key performance indicators (KPIs) for your warehouse’s energy consumption and carbon footprint as these will help you keep track.
To begin, complete an energy audit and identify any areas of inefficiency that you can improve straight away. After these, you can continue to monitor your outputs to further improve the sustainability in your warehouse.
Innovative Technology
With the rise of Artificial Intelligence, now is the perfect time to stay ahead of the competition with innovative technologies. AI-driven software improves inventory management by forecasting demand accurately, optimising your storage and ensuring your are never over or under stocked.
Other innovative technologies such as motion sensor lighting, axle fan HVAC systems, electronic forklifts or manufacturing robotics all help to improve your sustainability. Introducing these innovative technologies not only benefit your carbon footprint but also can help to improve your overall warehouse operations.
Improve Insulation
Large warehouses require an abundance of energy to heat or cool the space. Installing effective insulation can help to hold this heat, reducing the amount of energy needed to maintain a temperature. This is especially true for older warehouses that may have old insulation that is worn and damaged.
By having better insulation, you not only reduce energy costs, but you can also improve warehouse operating conditions and increase your equipment’s lifespan and efficiency.
How Can MPC Systems Help?
Here at MPC Systems we strive to offer innovative solutions to improve the sustainability within your warehouse. Whether you are looking to lower your energy costs, reduce your carbon footprint or improve your operations, our project managers are here to help. Our team have completed mezzanine flooring and partitioning solutions in Birmingham and across the UK.
When you choose us to help, your project manager helps oversee the project from the initial conception to the final commissioning. If you have already drawn out plans or just have an idea in your head, give us a call or fill out the contact form below.