8 Ways to Make Your Warehouse More Sustainable

Sustainability is no longer a ‘nice to have’, it’s the future of business. The good news is, it’s not just good for the environment: embracing sustainability can lower your bills, make your operations more efficient, and even strengthen your brand. In fact, a survey by IBM revealed that 62% of customers are willing to change their purchasing habits to support environmentally friendly options.

But where do you start? To help you navigate the path to a greener operation, we’ve compiled seven practical steps you can take to make your warehouse more sustainable.

1. Switch to Solar Energy and Energy Efficient Lighting

Switching to solar energy is one of the most impactful ways to make your warehouse more sustainable. With ample roof space, warehouses are ideal for solar panels, which can generate clean energy to power everything from lights to electric handling equipment. 

By installing solar panels, you could not only power day-to-day operations and reduce your carbon footprint, you could also earn money for feeding surplus energy into the grid (through initiatives like the Smart Exchange Guarantee). 

Beyond solar power, consider upgrading your warehouse’s lighting system. Motion-activated lighting and LED lights are up to 90% more efficient than incandescent bulbs, significantly reducing your warehouse’s energy consumption. Incorporating natural lighting through skylights or windows can also cut down on electricity use.

A warehouse roof entirely covered in solar panels under a setting sun.

2. Optimise Space Management

Efficient space utilisation also goes hand in hand with sustainability, as it reduces the need for expansion or new construction (the construction industry accounts for a staggering 37% of global CO2 emissions).

By stacking vertically and eliminating unused shelf space, it’s possible to maximise a warehouse’s storage capacity by as much as 80%. A well-planned warehouse layout can also streamline operations, speeding up the pick-and-pack process and reducing energy usage associated with equipment such as forklifts. A thoughtful design paired with appropriate storage systems will help optimise your space while reducing your carbon footprint.

3. Adopt Sustainable Packaging Solutions

Another significant step towards sustainability is reducing or eliminating plastic packaging. Sadly, 8 million pieces of plastic pollution make their way into the ocean every day — that’s 12 million tonnes of plastic per year.

Switching to non-plastic packaging is urgent, and there are a number of eco-friendly alternatives available that can still meet your packaging needs. Paper, cardboard, glass and aluminium are not only recyclable but also biodegradable in many cases. Innovative materials like biodegradable plastics, reusable cloth bags, and compostable bags are emerging as sustainable alternatives to both paper and plastic.

A photo of the ocean floor entirely covered in plastic waste.

4. Recycling and Waste Management

A “zero waste to landfill” approach can help make your warehouse more sustainable by keeping waste out of landfills. Start by reducing the amount of waste your warehouse produces, reusing materials like packaging when possible, and recycling things like cardboard, paper, and plastics. For waste that can’t be recycled, look into energy recovery options, where it’s burned to produce electricity instead of being buried. You can also donate items like furniture or equipment that’s no longer required to the local community and local charities. By focusing on these steps, your warehouse can cut down its environmental impact and manage waste more responsibly.

Going paperless is another obvious yet powerful example of how your warehouse operations can further reduce waste. Embracing digital systems for inventory management, invoices and shipping documentation will help reduce your paper consumption and by extension, your environmental impact.

5. Opt for Greener Transport and Logistics

Sustainability isn’t just about what happens inside the warehouse: how goods are transported to and from the facility also matters. Rethinking your logistics can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. This could involve:

  • Switching to electric or hybrid vehicles for deliveries
  • Optimising routes to cut down on emissions
  • Coordinating delivery schedules to minimise trips

Bonus: switching to a greener fleet and logistics systems will not only reduce emissions, it will also lower fuel costs!
A single electric vehicle charging point mounted on a concrete column in a car park, in use and connected to a yellow charging cable.

6. Invest in Proper Building Insulation

It goes without saying that a well-insulated warehouse requires less energy for heating and cooling. Effective insulation materials such as fibreglass, spray foam, cellulose, or eco-friendly alternatives like wood and cork can help maintain internal temperatures more efficiently, therefore reducing your energy consumption and cutting your energy bills.

Although it may represent an initial investment, good insulation has long term benefits such as preventing issues with mould and dampness, lowering the need for future costly repairs.

7. Consider Carbon Offsetting

If your warehouse operations still generate some unavoidable emissions, carbon offsetting is a viable option. By investing in projects that reduce or absorb CO2, such as reforestation projects, you can balance out your warehouse’s carbon footprint. 

While this may not directly reduce emissions on-site, it’s a responsible way to compensate for your carbon footprint. It also counts towards your CSR objectives, and last but not least, it can be a great way to raise brand awareness. 

8. Implement Sustainable Employee Benefit Schemes

Sustainability isn’t limited to your building and processes. It can also extend to your workforce. Encouraging employees to adopt eco-friendly habits, through benefit schemes such as the Bike2Work Scheme, helps reduce carbon emissions from commuting. Supporting alternative transportation options can also boost employee morale and contribute to a greener workplace.

A woman cycling on an overpass over the motorway.

By implementing these seven strategies, ranging from adopting solar energy to reducing packaging and even offsetting your carbon emissions, you can significantly improve your warehouse’s sustainability. Taking steps toward a greener operation not only benefits the environment but also cuts costs and helps attract eco-conscious customers. 

Sustainability in warehousing is achievable with the right planning and commitment, and as consumer expectations shift, the benefits of sustainable practices will only increase. Why not start today?

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