Canada has a climate change plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, which focuses on minimizing carbon emissions produced by fossil fuels and adapting widespread recycling programs to mitigate carbon produced from processing raw materials.
In its current shape, the warehousing industry can be a significant producer of carbon, due to the size of the facility (think about the electricity required to run a massive industrial warehouse 24/7), and the number of materials consumed (plastic, Styrofoam, etc.).
Because of these factors, numerous warehousing facilities across Canada are incorporating sustainable warehousing practices to help achieve a greener tomorrow.
1 - Adding Smart LED Lighting & Solar Panels
Replacing traditional lighting systems with LED fixtures is becoming commonplace. LEDs consume up to 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting.
To take this one step further, some warehouses are installing solar panels that harness the sunlight and store the energy within a large battery, which then powers all the lighting in the facility without needing traditional fossil fuel-based electricity.
2 - Eco-Friendly Packaging Practices
Another era where warehousing companies can cut down on carbon emissions is in their packaging practices. The production of new plastic, Styrofoam, and cardboard strain on our environment, and finding ways to reuse and recycle existing materials is critical for achieving net-zero status by 2050.
One specific example is replacing traditional Styrofoam peanuts with biodegradable packing peanuts alternatives, which decompose naturally and do not leave harmful residues. These peanuts offer the same protective properties for shipping items but significantly reduce the amount of non-degradable waste.
Implementing these green warehouse practices allows businesses to decrease their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable ecosystem.
The CWLA is a community of like-minded warehousing & supporting companies. We can help you generate leads, stay informed with industry news, regulations, & upcoming events. The
CWLA is open to all warehousing, trucking, co-packing, or fulfillment providers. Please contact us if you have any questions.
