Packaging, supply & logistics
Warehouse rooftops are ideally suited for solar panel installations.
as well.” Solar energy – with its potential for steady, reliable power supply – is well-suited to meet these needs. That’s especially as advancements in battery storage technology ensure that solar power can maintain consistent temperatures even during periods of low sunlight, such as nighttime or cloudy days. Fusco, for his part, points to medical devices like heart valves, which require storage at a precise temperature of around 17°C, and that benefit from the consistent, clean energy provided by solar-powered systems. The ability to maintain such exacting standards without relying on traditional, carbon-intensive energy sources represents a significant step forward in both patient safety and environmental stewardship.
5,500
The number of solar panels installed at DHL’s HP 8 warehouse in Sydney.
DHL 132
A comprehensive approach Beyond the adoption of solar power, carbon-neutral warehousing also involves a commitment to reducing overall energy consumption. This can be achieved through several methods, including the use of energy- efficient machinery, implementing better insulation in climate-controlled areas, and optimising warehouse layout to reduce the energy needed for moving products. In some cases, simply updating older equipment to newer, more energy-efficient models can result in energy savings of up to 20%. Water conservation is another crucial aspect of sustainable warehousing. “It’s not only about cutting and saving energy,” says David Desmet, the general secretary at EALTH. “It’s also about water. Water is the new important point to be a responsible company in today’s world.” Certainly, with H2O becoming an increasingly scarce resource, companies are also looking at ways to reduce their usage. This might involve recycling water used in air conditioning systems, installing low-flow fixtures, or else utilising water-saving technologies in fire suppression systems. Once again, DHL is a case in point here, which as part of its
efficiency and decarbonisation levers has integrated rainwater harvesting and low-use water appliances into its building designs. Not that the transition to carbon- neutral warehousing is challenge-free. For one thing, the initial investment in solar panels and other green technologies can be substantial, and the process of retrofitting existing warehouses to be more energy- efficient can be complex and costly. All the same, the long-term savings in energy costs and the potential for regulatory incentives can offset these initial expenses. That’s especially when the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) could be a critical enabler for achieving carbon neutrality in warehousing. “AI, I think, will be an important tool to achieve carbon-neutral warehousing,” Desmet argues. Sure enough, machine learning can optimise energy use by predicting demand and adjusting systems in real time, ensuring that energy is used only when and where it is needed. At the same time, AI-driven analytics could help in optimising warehouse operations, such as improving space utilisation and streamlining supply chains, further reducing the carbon footprint. What’s in no doubt is that, as the healthcare industry continues to evolve, the importance of sustainability in life science and healthcare logistics will only continue to grow. Carbon-neutral warehousing represents a forward-thinking approach that aligns operational efficiency with environmental responsibility. By embracing solar energy, optimising resource use, and leveraging the power of AI, logistics firms can play a pivotal role in reducing the healthcare sector’s overall carbon footprint. While the path to carbon neutrality in medical logistics is challenging, in short, it is also full of opportunity. As more companies adopt these practices, the industry will move closer to a future where the storage and distribution of life-saving medical devices is safe – both for patients themselves and the planet at large. ●
Medical Device Developments /
www.nsmedicaldevices.com
Gianfranco Vivi/
Shutterstock.com
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