RK Narayan, President, Strategy and Business Development, Horizon Industrial Parks, provides insights into warehouse design, emphasising adaptability for future automation like drones. Discover how sustainable practices and ergonomic layouts are optimising efficiency and minimising environmental impact in the warehouses of tomorrow.
Warehouse sustainability encompasses the entire lifecycle, from construction to deconstruction
When planning warehouses for future automation, it’s crucial to understand customer technology needs. This influences how warehouses are laid out and designed. Drones will soon play a key role in handling tasks like inventory management and deliveries, requiring designated flight zones and charging stations. Using flexible designs with materials like pre-engineered buildings and steel allows for easy adjustments and expansions as technology advances. The warehouse floors must be strong enough to support heavy automated equipment and ensure smooth movement. It’s also important to have fast internet, reliable power, and advanced safety systems to support automated machinery effectively. These factors prepare warehouses for the future of automation.
Efficient layouts
Beyond automation, effective warehouse design focuses on maximising space and improving material flow. Ergonomic layouts are crucial for keeping warehouse workers safe and productive, reducing injuries, and boosting overall efficiency. One-way traffic paths and wide roads help vehicles move efficiently, speeding up operations and cutting costs. Innovations like cross-docks, automated dock ramps, and mechanised doors make deliveries faster. Other improvements include wide spaces between columns, strong buildings, good ventilation with frequent air changes, and lots of roof lights. These features all work together to make handling people and materials in warehouses more efficient.
Sustainable Practices
Energy-efficient technologies play a crucial role in minimising environmental impact in warehouses. Solar panels on warehouse rooftops harness solar energy, reducing energy costs and supporting carbon reduction goals. Inside, LED lights, solar-powered street lights, and high-rated electrical equipment contribute to significant energy savings of 10–15 percent. Smart meters optimise energy use efficiently.
For water conservation, warehouses implement rainwater harvesting systems and recycle grey water for landscaping. Water-saving fixtures and smart meters further reduce freshwater consumption across facilities.
Passive design techniques like insulated walls, skylights, and sustainable HVAC systems help decrease overall energy usage. Using eco-friendly materials not only supports sustainability but also creates environments that promote native biodiversity. These practices not only benefit the environment but also enhance employee well-being and contribute positively to the local ecosystem, making warehouses more efficient and environmentally responsible places of operation.
Sustainable lifecycles
Warehouse sustainability encompasses the entire lifecycle, from construction to deconstruction. Measures include assessing carbon footprints, implementing greenhouse gas reduction strategies, and conducting life cycle analyses to minimise environmental impact. Utilizing eco-certified materials and engaging certified suppliers help manage fossil fuel use, waste, and electricity consumption. Socially, warehouses prioritise health, well-being, gender equality, ethical practices, and human rights. Smart monitoring systems provide real-time updates, while regular audits ensure effective management of environmental and social issues across the supply chain, promoting sustainable practices throughout the warehouse lifecycle.
By integrating these sustainable practices throughout every phase of a warehouse’s lifecycle, businesses can achieve both environmental stewardship and operational excellence in their logistics operations.
