and heating which accounts for 65% and 12% of energy consumption, respectively. When it comes to lighting, unlike the retail stores, Wyatt says warehouses are avoiding the use of LEDs where possible and instead turning to energy efficient fluorescent bulbs. He adds that at present LED solutions don’t provide sufficient light for warehouse operations but can be useful for adjoining offices. However there are many simple and inexpensive ways to improve energy consumption on lighting without compromising health and safety or comfort levels. For example, keeping energy fittings clean and using dimmers and sensors and utilising natural light through the use of skylights can help. After that, savings can be found in heating systems
and refrigeration. Heating costs rise by about 8% for every one degree centigrade of overheating, according to the Carbon Trust. This can be easily overcome by simple things such as making sure all heaters are set to the same temperature, and are not on when they are not needed. On the refrigeration side, UKWA advises that replacing chamber strips with snug fitting rapid action roll doors keeps the cold in. And avoiding storage chambers, which accelerate the freezing process, also helps to save electricity, it says. Wyatt adds: “Obviously it is about having up to date equipment and having it serviced properly and again making sure it is working correctly...If things are left for a number of years and not properly serviced there can be a lot of loss.” The research notes a lack of commitment from senior management
as one of the most common barriers to this. Wyatt says: “There is more drive now to do something about it but we still struggle to see people implementing co-ordinated projects across their whole companies.” However this can be combatted by
engaging with staff and implementing a company-wide strategy, believes Wyatt.
Asda
Looking to the future we can expect to see more of these developments coming online. Asda, in partnership with Tate Consulting, is in the process of developing a £50m chilled and frozen distribution centre in Bristol. Once complete, possibly in time for the Christmas rush, the facility is expected to be “one of the world’s most carbon efficient buildings”.
“There is more drive now to do something about it but we still struggle to see people implementing co-ordinated projects across their whole companies”
The centre will feature a number of energy saving and sustainable solutions including a single skin construction freezer and cold storage facility, a low energy occupancy controlled freezer and a combined heat and power system which produces hot water and electricity. Additionally, the facility will have rainwater harvesting capabilities. As UKWA predicts, the demands placed on warehouse operators by their customers, such as retailers and manufacturers, is likely to rise in the future as the value placed on their environmental performance increases. It is clear that operators are going to have to up their game if they wish to maintain their reputation and competitiveness in the market.
JUNE 2013 | RETAIL ENVIRONMENT 61
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