The green lane in the warehouse - energy efficiency under roof and (in) compartment (Advertorial)

In logistics "on the road", for example, route and means of transport optimization are now an integral part of the picture. However, this does not mean that green logistics is complete, as it must be supported by appropriate intralogistics processes in warehouses and distribution centers. In addition, the logistics facilities themselves offer numerous opportunities for environmentally friendly optimization. This starts with the choice of location. As experienced logistics planners, we are familiar with the traditional canon of commercial, legal and economic aspects that are part of choosing an ideal location. The fact that ecological factors were hardly relevant in the past has changed dramatically. New issues need to be considered, such as multimodal transportation, alternative building materials and environmentally friendly land sealing.

When designing the architecture of warehouses and distribution centers, logisticians can make use of cross-industry developments. Findings on energy optimization, insulation, the generation of renewable energies and the use of more sustainable building materials can be directly adopted. When it comes to the logistical equipment of buildings, however, the classic requirements - capacity, speed, cost-effectiveness, expandability and ergonomics - must be homogeneously supplemented by ecological aspects.

As planners, we are happy to take on the challenge of always looking at both the tried and tested and the innovative from a new "green" perspective, for example through:

• Arrangement of work areas in the layout - use of natural resources such as daylight and heating through solar radiation or cooling through underground construction. Introduction of efficient systems - lightweight construction, efficient and needs-based drives, inverter technology, reduced frictional resistance, energy recovery
• Efficient processes for storage and handling - reduction of all transports, optimized IT
• Modular arrangement of systems with stand-by option at low load
• Use of light & heat as required - lighting control, motion detectors, radiant heaters, temperature zones, etc.
• Use of alternative building materials - e.g. wood in conveyor technology and in the AKL
• Selection of ecological yet durable storage and shipping materials, reduction of consumables and separation of recyclable materials
• Optimization of the filling level of shipments, determination of precisely fitting packaging

This catalog of measures can be supplemented by many individual customer adjustments. Practical experience also shows that motivating employees for the common goal of more sustainable logistics is very promising. Every employee can not only work in an environmentally conscious manner - for example by using lighting appropriately or adapting the driving behavior of industrial trucks - but can also initiate optimizations themselves.

In our planning activities, we have found that it is not necessary to reinvent the wheel in order to achieve a significantly more sustainable approach to internal logistics. Rather, "green logistics" is simply another aspect to be considered in holistic logistics planning.

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