Few topics have gained attention more quickly than the climate crisis in the last decade – in politics and among concerned consumers, as well as in business and among supply chain leaders. There is an urgent need to reduce carbon emissions to slow the effects of climate change. Against this backdrop, 4flow has published a new study, “Sustainable warehousing: Practical measures for emission and cost reduction”.
When rethinking supply chains and logistics in terms of sustainability, the first impulse is often to look at transportation. To illuminate the issue from a different angle, the study considers the carbon footprint of logistics facilities and derives recommendations to make them more environmentally sustainable.
The study covers ten measures, including switching to renewable energy sources, automating storage areas, optimizing material flow and handling, and implementing paperless administration. Infrastructural levers such as solar panels, insulation, heating systems, lighting systems and automated gates are also considered. Each measure is considered in terms of carbon emissions reduction and operational expenditure (OpEx) to provide readers with a balanced understanding of both environmental and financial impact.
Using both carbon reduction and OpEx cumulated over 15 years, the study groups the ten sustainability levers into three areas, based on the recommended action: prioritize, consider, or monitor. The results are relevant for both green- and brownfield warehouses. As such, supply chain decision makers can use this study to identify measures to unlock both environmental and economic benefits for the long-term.