Tips For Going Green in Your Warehouse

Going green is a phenomenon that has taken off almost everywhere – in the home, workplace, schools, and more. Why not go green in your warehouse, too? By going green in your warehouse, you can both save energy and save money. Implementing energy-efficient strategies and solutions can be a provider of major savings to your business, enabling you to cut costs and increase profits.

Follow these five tips to make your warehouse a greener place.

1. Only Use Equipment When Necessary

One best practice to implement in your warehouse is only using equipment when necessary. By only using equipment when it is needed, you will operate more efficiently and extend the lifespan of your equipment. You will also face less downtime due to equipment issues that go unnoticed, and you will reduce costs for compliance with environmental regulations.

2. Find Energy-Efficient Equipment

In addition to only using your equipment when necessary, purchasing energy-efficient equipment can dramatically increase the efficiency of your warehouse operations and save you money over time. Operating heavy-duty machinery comprises a huge chunk of your energy bill, and equipment with high-efficiency motors can greatly reduce these costs.

3. Build Vertically

If you are developing a new warehouse, the most efficient design is one that is vertical. By building up rather than out, your warehouse will reduce its overall carbon footprint and decrease energy costs. You can utilize vertical equipment to save on space and maximize the use of your warehouse, creating a more energy efficient operation.

4. Change Your Lighting Strategy

By changing the way you light your warehouse, you can further reduce energy spending. If you have fixtures that use four or more bulbs in a non-critical area, take out one or two bulbs for greater efficiency. Use lights that operate on timers or sensors to ensure that light is only being used when necessary. Invest in LED lights to increase energy savings over time, and take advantage of any natural light that your warehouse offers.

5. Re-Evaluate HVAC Use

Finally, one of the biggest drains on energy in your warehouse is the HVAC system. If your HVAC system is constantly in use, re-evaluate whether or not this is necessary when the space is unoccupied. Ceiling fans make excellent, economical substitutes for your HVAC system when employees are not present.