2018 was a significant year for bringing energy and the impact of our carbon footprint to the forefront of the global discussion, so this year is the right time to consider an energy efficient warehouse.
It’s understandable to feel like our individual actions have little effect on the wider picture, but just a few small changes to the way we manage our workplace can save a surmountable amount of energy – and money.
So, why invest in security shutters and what else can you do to protect your warehouse this winter?
You need to create barriers to slow thieves down - burglars will try and get the job done as fast and effectively as possible, so the more obstacles you can put in place, the better. Put your resources into more than one type of physical protection.
Here are some ideas on how you can save energy in the warehouse with a just a few small changes:
Insulation for an energy efficient warehouse
This may seem obvious, but there are lots of ways you can control the temperature in your warehouse or workplace to restrict the loss of heat.
General roof and wall insulation is a good place to start, and it’s worth considering other solutions that help you manage a large space - such as partition walls. Partition walls allow you to section your warehouse in a way that gives you greater control over insulation and temperature.
For areas that encounter a lot of foot traffic, plastic strip curtains allow for quick employee access while still creating a sufficient seal to retain temperature.
High Speed doors
The quicker your shutters close, the less heat is lost, and less you pay for heating bills, allowing for a truly energy efficient warehouse. It sounds simple but replacing your old, slow-moving shutters can have a profound impact on your energy bills. Shutter cycle time and a quality seal can even be more impactful than the insulation rating.
It’s important that your high speed shutters are well-insulated and easy to repair.
Check your loading bays
Loading up vehicles can create many opportunities for energy loss. Be sure to check for gaps and any places that might let heat out – or pests in. Good quality dock seals and shelters can reduce the impact of energy loss during pick-up and deliveries.
It’s also worth looking at smaller sealing solutions like leveller lip corner seals, weather seals and bumper seals for your loading bays.
Lighting
In any work space, particularly those that might house large machinery or equipment, lighting is essential to creating a safe and efficient work environment. However, with a sizeable space, such as a warehouse, lighting can often be attributed to the bulk of the energy bills.
By switching to newer fluorescent or LED lighting, you can significantly reduce both your environmental impact and your utility costs. LEDs often last longer too, making them a smart financial choice in the long-term.
Regular Maintenance
Be sure to service equipment, check shutters, and repair seals regularly to avoid unnecessary heat loss and excess energy output. Even the slightest damage to your shutters and seals can have bigger consequences in the long-term.
Doors for Industry offer both preventative maintenance contracts and emergency callouts when you need them – find out more here.
