GREEN MATTERS
Overcoming warehouse overheating
Daniel Wood, head of sales for Carrier Airside, part of Carrier UK & Ireland, explores the roles of HVAC and ambient design in a rapidly heating world and the balance of mechanisms needed to achieve effi cient and eff ective warehouse climate control.
By integrating features like free-cooling, intelligent sensors, heat recovery, predictive maintenance and remote monitoring via Carrier’s Blue Edge service off erings.
O
ptimising warehouse operations in today’s complex commercial landscape is paramount for thriving businesses. A critical aspect of this optimisation lies in understanding the nuances of diff erent warehouse types and their specifi c climate control needs. Two primary categories dominate the scene: temperature-controlled and ambient warehouses. Each serves distinct purposes and caters to product requirements. Choosing how best to maintain climate control has far-reaching implications for product integrity, energy consumption, environmental impact, and operational costs.
Overheating is a signifi cant challenge when facing rising
temperatures. The United Kingdom, known for its temperate climate, is experiencing more frequent and intense heat waves. This phenomenon poses substantial risks to health, well-being and productivity. The UK is also reported to be “dangerously slow” in dealing with climate challenges, so a rapid change to the pace of intervention is critical. Under current weather conditions, the risk of overheating
is exceptionally high, with southern England being the most aff ected. Based on limited UK evidence, one study suggests that a 2°C rise in global temperatures could deplete London’s economic output by around 0.4% due to reduced productivity in the workplace.8
warehousing?
The rise of specialised warehouses While global supply chains have historically expanded and diversifi ed, driving up demand for specialised storage solutions, the landscape may be beginning to shift. Recent developments, such as the imposition of new US tariff s, raise questions about whether this trend will continue or give way to a resurgence in more localised supply strategies. It is, perhaps, too early to say defi nitively. However, one thing is certain: supply chains must continue to evolve and adapt. In this context, temperature-controlled warehouses have become critical to ensuring product integrity. These facilities rely on advanced technologies to maintain precise temperature
20 June 2025 •
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and humidity levels, safeguarding perishable goods, pharmaceuticals and other climate-sensitive products. Even minor fl uctuations can result in signifi cant losses, particularly for sectors bound by stringent compliance guidelines, such as the MHRA’s standards for pharmaceutical storage, which stipulate not only a temperature band but also a length of time for which the goods can be stored outside of this band before the stock is written off , sometimes at the cost of millions. As UK climate temperatures rise, designing to 30°C ambient in summer is no longer viable. Record summer temperature peaks will likely lead to increased strain on the HVAC systems during heat waves and a high risk of stock write-off . Therefore, correct design is imperative at the outset of the project. Carrier is currently recommending that ventilation systems for critical applications are future-proofed and designed for a 38°C ambient in summer across the UK, rising to 40°C in the south of England.
On the other hand, ambient warehouses, operating These higher temperatures are predicted to
become a high risk by 2080. So now that we know the risks ahead, how does that aff ect
traditionally without climate control systems, cater to the storage of dry, durable goods like packaged foods, textiles, appliances and electronics. These facilities off er cost-eff ective storage solutions for products that don’t require strict temperature regulation. However, even in ambient warehouses, maintaining a stable temperature range is essential to prevent product damage and ensure optimal working conditions for employees. However, the increasing frequency and intensity of heat waves in the UK make this increasingly tricky without mechanical intervention.
A foundation for effi cient climate control While sustainable warehouse design, incorporating elements like building orientation, insulation and natural ventilation, can contribute to a more energy-effi cient facility, it’s essential to recognise that these passive measures alone are often insuffi cient to meet modern warehouses’ complex climate control demands. As a result, advanced mechanical systems have become essential for maintaining optimal conditions. HVAC systems are the cornerstone of adequate climate
control in temperature-controlled and ambient warehouses. HVAC systems like Carrier’s packaged CIAT RTU range have
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