The following presentation was delivered at the 2024 Cold Chain Refrigeration , Logistics and Technology Summit in Cape Town , by mechanical engineering manager Mesuli Mduli of County Fair Western Cape on the topic ‘ A sustainable cold chain for a cooler tomorrow – how green technologies are shaping the cold chain industry ’.
ASSOCIATIONS
How green technologies are shaping the cold chain industry By Eamonn Ryan
The following presentation was delivered at the 2024 Cold Chain Refrigeration , Logistics and Technology Summit in Cape Town , by mechanical engineering manager Mesuli Mduli of County Fair Western Cape on the topic ‘ A sustainable cold chain for a cooler tomorrow – how green technologies are shaping the cold chain industry ’.
The cold chain logistics sector is experiencing challenges and opportunities that demand immediate attention and innovative solutions . From escalating energy costs to the imperative of sustainability , the industry must shift towards more efficient and ecologically responsible practices to ensure its longevity and relevance . The presentation distils key insights and proposals , highlighting the path forward for the industry .
THE CURRENT LANDSCAPE ’ S CHALLENGES AND IMPERATIVES
In the context of South Africa , the power shortages and rising electricity costs have put immense pressure on cold storage facilities . The financial burden of energy costs , exacerbated by frequent tariff hikes , demands a re-evaluation of current operational models . Despite the slow uptake of renewable energy solutions , there is an urgent need to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices to meet the United Nations ’ Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ) and address climate change effectively .
The financial models traditionally used to justify investments in cold chain infrastructure often overlook the ecological and environmental impacts . This narrow focus results in the rejection of potentially beneficial projects that could drive sustainability . Thus , there is a pressing need to incorporate environmental considerations into financial decision-making processes .
TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES AND SUSTAINABILITY
Technological advancements offer promising solutions to many of the industry ' s challenges . The integration of
Images by © Cold Link Africa
A section of the audience at the 2023 GCCA Cold Chain Conference in Cape Town .
Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) and data-driven decision-making can significantly enhance efficiency and sustainability . For instance , real-time data monitoring and advanced analytics can provide actionable insights into energy consumption patterns , enabling more effective energy management and reducing waste .
Furthermore , embracing the concept of a circular economy within the cold chain can
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