There are a million and one reasons to become more energy efficient, not least saving money (and saving the planet!). Increased energy efficiency and sustainability in your working environment improves the conditions for staff and helps you to save money in this less than favorable economic climate. Look around your warehouse with a fresh set of eyes and see if there are ways you can improve your on-site efficiency, all it takes is a few steps to secure a greener tomorrow.
Insulation
Heat is one of the most significant costs for property owners which is why energy conscious designers are making insulation a top priority.
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Doors – Insulated sliding folding doors are an incredible investment for your energy efficiency. Rather than using standard roller shutter doors an insulated model retains heat and reduces conduction losses, meaning you can afford to spend less money combating the dropped temperatures. Sliding doors are an increasingly popular choice for warehouses across the country not only because of their heat retention prowess but also because they are incredibly user friendly, meaning staff can open and close them with ease so there’s no need to keep them open for a significant length of time.
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Windows – Multiple pane windows with a U-value of less than 0.3 ensure the most significant levels of heat retention. Keep your windows in optimum condition by keeping an eye on the sealant, replace any worn sealant in window and door openings, penetration points used for wires and plumbing and building seams and joints so they are air tight and don’t allow for heat seepage.
Lighting
Providing the right amount of interior lighting is costly in a warehouse environment where natural light is typically underutilized, but it doesn’t need to be. The inclusion of skylights is a cost effective means of using what is free.
There’s no real comparison between artificial and natural light; natural light diffused through a skylight spreads more evenly around your workspace while at the same time reducing your energy costs during the day. Natural light is psychologically beneficial to your workforce as well increasing both productivity and employee morale.
To make the most out of skylights use glazing material to reduce glare and for greater convenience the installation of an automatic photo control system is a fantastic tool for adjusting electric lights depending on the level of daylight so you’re not left in the dark on dimmer days.
Building Up
If you’re building a warehouse from scratch and want to reduce your land and transportation costs as well as reducing your sites environmental impact then it is time to think about building up instead of out. Upwardly built buildings have a reduced footprint and you have greater choice of location, meaning a greater choice of land prices, because you don’t require the same copious space. If you choose to place your warehouse in a denser area, rather than miles from anywhere where land is more abundant, you reduce transport time and cost. Developers in all industries are choosing to build up to save space and reduce impact on the land.
The implementation of sustainable and energy efficient practices throughout your warehouse not only saves you money but strengthens your business reputation and helps you invest in a brighter future. Environmental consciousness grows year by year so every sustainable change you make is a step in the right direction.
This post was written by environmental blogger Emma Smith on behalf of Direct Industrial Doors who specialize in cutting edge sustainable solutions including insulated sliding folding doors.
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