Scientists say that high carbon emissions pollute the atmosphere and are likely the cause of climate change. Encouraged by the government, most businesses are doing their bit to reduce carbon emissions by adopting new policies.
Busy warehouses are also looking at ways to make their operations more environmentally focused. There are three key principles to look at when making a warehouse more environmentally friendly: reduce, reuse and recycle. Systems based on these three principles make a warehouse greener, and it also reduces costs.
Reduce
The first aspect to look at are ways to reduce both energy consumption and the use of materials. Heating and ventilation systems can be replaced with more energy efficient ones. Green technologies, such as heat pumps, solar panels and wind power, can significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. A well-insulated warehouse also saves money by preventing heat loss through walls and ceilings.
Smart meters maximise energy efficiency. Movement detection sensors control lighting so that it is only turned on in areas where workers are present. Electrically powered forklift trucks can be charged overnight using less expensive, off-peak electricity.
Many warehouse operators are reducing the amount of packaging they use for shipping orders. Lightweight packaging reduces the fuel costs of transporting goods, and intelligent packaging does not waste space around goods, which means that more items can be loaded on each delivery vehicle.
Steely Products’ trolleys need no external power source. They are designed to be easily pushed and steered by a single worker.
Reuse
Wood pallets and plastic totes are items that are regularly reused, but packaging can also be used more than once. Packaging from returned goods can be designed for reuse.
The packaging from goods that arrive in the warehouse should be reusable. Manufacturers have developed new forms of packaging that can be used multiple times.
Recycle
Recycling materials can significantly reduce waste. Instead of sending rubbish to landfills, separate out as much recyclable material as possible and deliver it to a recycling centre. Hazardous items, including oil, batteries and chemicals, need to be disposed of safely, and they can often be recycled.
Recycle bins for various recyclable materials should be placed at convenient locations for employees to use. Staff that consume food and drinks in tins, paper bags and other materials should be encouraged to put them in recycling bins rather than in with general waste. Reducing waste is a joint responsibility between workers and employers.
Packaging materials that cannot be reused, such as torn or dirty cardboard, can be recycled.
At Steely Products, we make warehouse equipment from tubular steel. Though our trolleys, tables and shelving are designed to last many years, no equipment lasts forever. When equipment reaches the end of its useful life, the steel can be recycled. New steel can contain as much as 25% recycled steel.
To find out more about our range of material handling equipment, give our team at Steely Products a call or use the contact form below.
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