E nergy conservation in the warehouse is no longer optional . Perhaps once it was something only the most socially conscious businesses considered ; however , today it ’ s essential for any operator serious about cutting costs . Whether you call it conservation , sustainability or going green , it comes down to one solid business idea — cut waste and save money in the process .
This article discusses various green warehouse practices and explains how warehouse automation can contribute . ( Green warehouse construction , as in LEED certification , is another subject and won ’ t be covered here .)
Cutting Waste Is Good Business
Would you choose to spend more than needed on heat , light , fuel and materials ? No . But a business that isn ’ t continually looking for ways to reduce these costs is wasting money .
However , “ going green ” is about more than just turning off the lights in the restrooms . The key to real savings is marrying an examination of cost drivers with an exploration of what warehouse automation technology can do . What ’ s more , don ’ t overlook the importance of exploring all aspects of green supply chain management .
Automation in the Warehouse
Warehouse automation is about more than adding a few AGVs or robots . Although AGVs can be useful in transporting goods , there are many other options to consider when evaluating warehouse automation , including :
• Automated conveyor systems move goods faster than fork trucks , can occupy less space ( or use space differently ), and reduce the risk of injuries and product damage .
• Gravity-flow pallet racking systems provide firstin-first-out ( FIFO ) storage with high space utilization and low manpower requirements .
• An automated storage and retrieval system ( AS / RS ) stores pallets multiple-deep and can store vertically instead of horizontally , yielding otherwise impossible space utilization .
• Software — in the form of warehouse execution systems ( WES ) ( which couples warehouse management ( WMS ) and warehouse control ( WCS ) system technology ) — aided by technology such as RFID and barcode readers automates record-keeping and tracks the movement of product through the warehouse .
Green Warehouse Practices
When “ going green ” in your warehouse , there are three main areas to target :
• Energy consumption
• Opportunities for reuse
• Space Savings
Energy consumption : Warehouses use energy for lighting , for moving product in and out of storage , and for HVAC . For lighting , LEDs and motion sensors are clearly the most efficient approach . If the warehouse is completely automated , perhaps the lights can be turned off most of the time .
For moving pallets , gravity flow conveyors harness this free energy . For other lifting and moving work , modern motors with variable-frequency drives are more efficient than their predecessors . The same applies to HVAC systems . Also , don ’ t overlook the benefits of using fans for air circulation — especially in taller warehouses .
Another aspect to consider is minimizing the amount of movement needed . A good WES supports warehouse optimization by identifying high movers and helping to locate them appropriately .
Reuse : Warehouses can generate significant volumes of trash , all of which must be hauled away . One source of trash is product that ’ s damaged during handling , which an AS / RS can help to prevent .
Look also for opportunities to reuse materials — especially packaging containers , picking containers , etc . Plastic pallets make a great example . With five times the lifespan of wooden pallets , they can yield a big reduction in waste . Likewise , use and reuse metal and plastic bins rather than cardboard boxes where possible .
Space Savings : Automated warehouses require a smaller building footprint as compared to their conventional counterparts . This is possible because an AS / RS maximizes vertical space rather than having to expand the building footprint . A multiple-deep , high density AS / RS using Satellite ® technology , one of the most environmentally friendly warehouse designs available , can store product up to 18 deep without needing multiple aisles .
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