Improving speed and product safety are often top-of-mind for distributors in all industries. Get the goods from the manufacturer to the end consumer in the most efficient way possible. While this true, creating a sustainable distribution facility has also increasingly become a part of the bigger picture. Distributors are now focusing their attention on “greening” their supply chain.
The future of the planet is in our hands.
Defining Sustainability
The word sustainable has evolved over time. According to the EPA, “sustainability isn’t part of our work – it’s a guiding influence for all of our work.” Sustainability today refers to three different pillars: social, environmental, and economic factors which can also be equated to what is called the “triple bottom line”- people, planet, and profits.
Becoming a Sustainable Distribution Facility
To become a sustainable distribution facility, get familiar with the LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance (LEED EB: O&M) certification as a guide to implement green changes.
- Ensure that all lighting use low-wattage fluorescent bulbs or LED. Use natural lighting when possible to minimize exterior lighting.
- Consider installing skylights. Daylighting can help reduce the need for electric lighting.
- Install quick open and close dock doors to reduce HVAC requirements.
- Invest in software programs and work with vendors to optimize delivery schedules to reduce the waste of truck fuel. One of the biggest wastes of fuel is the result of trucks idling their engines while waiting for a dock to open.
- Reduce water consumption. From replacing outdoor vegetation with native plants to the installing low-flow (or no-flow) bathroom fixtures.
- Choose to use floor coverings, adhesives, and paint that emit low amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Update shipping and packaging operational design to optimize workflow.
Integrated Shipping Solutions for a Sustainable Distribution Facility
Perhaps the easiest way to achieve efficiency and decrease your carbon footprint in your distribution facility is through changes in operational design. At Hughes, we strive to reduce environmental burden from the initial planning stages of a warehouse through the implementation and distribution process. And one way to optimize the workflow of the packaging line and maximize your available space is through integrated packaging solutions. This not only results in a higher speed, efficiency and productivity within the production line, but also decreases the overall carbon footprint on our environment.
Hughes is Committed to the Environment
Sustainability is not a one-time thing. It’s a continual process that is quickly becoming the norm for most businesses. Hughes Enterprises understands the challenges and benefits involved in going green and reducing your carbon footprint. We can help you through the process of making your packaging green and your facility more sustainable.
Hughes Enterprises provides an economical and environmentally friendly shipping solution for both large and small warehouses. With adaptable machines that can be programmed to do a majority of the packing work, this equipment saves both time and money while minimizing impact on the environment. Contact us at 267-409-6100 for more information.