As we step into 2025, the Year of the Wood Snake, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the previous year and make improvements for the next 12 months.
In the Chinese zodiac, a snake is associated with wisdom and resourcefulness. It symbolises transformation – letting go of the old and embracing the new.
The wood element encourages flexibility in the face of change and the development of long-term goals.
While businesses are increasingly striving towards a more sustainable future, the need to integrate green initiatives becomes more important than ever before – particularly for warehousing operations.
So, what can (and should) you do?
Read on to find out as John K. Philips explains all in this article.
How are warehouses affecting the environment?
Traditionally, warehouse practices involve excessive energy consumption for light, heating, cooling, and powering machinery, resulting in higher carbon emissions.
Meanwhile, wasteful packaging, improper waste disposal, and limited recycling efforts can lead to pollution and the depletion of natural resources.
Gas-powered forklift trucks and petrol and diesel vehicles used to transport goods in and out of warehouses are also harming the environment – making electric or hybrid alternatives more favourable.
Why are green warehouses important?
With advances in renewable energy, smart technologies, and sustainable construction, green warehouses are likely to be at the forefront of the logistics industry’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact for many years to come.
But using a green warehouse isn’t just about embracing sustainability – it can help shape the next generation of supply chains, fostering an eco-conscious, efficient, and forward-thinking logistics industry.
Let’s take a look at some of the ways a green warehouse like ours can help streamline your logistics operations and reduce your negative environmental impact:
Energy-efficient lighting
At John K. Philips, LED lighting is installed throughout our green warehouse.
LEDs consume much less energy than fluorescent bulbs and can last up to 20 times longer – plus they produce better illumination, making it easier for our warehouse staff to see what they are doing.
Paperless systems
Where manual paperwork often invites human error, digital systems reduce the risk of mistakes by automating and streamlining tasks like inventory tracking, order processing, and shipment tracking.
Our team uses digital warehouse management systems (WMS) to monitor the movements of goods and deliveries both in and out of our facility, helping us to cut down on paper processes and waste.
Eco-friendly packaging
Using recycled or recyclable packaging helps decrease waste generation which, in turn, can reduce your company’s environmental footprint.
John K. Philips will happily store your goods at our green warehouse until they are ready to be distributed. And best of all? We use the most sustainable packaging materials in the right size to minimise waste.
Green transportation
As a green warehouse, you can rely on us to optimise delivery routes – reducing the movement of individual shipments and helping to reduce emissions.
With 20 charging stations outside our zero-emissions building in Warrington, our drivers can ensure their electric vehicles have a full charge before they embark on their journeys to destinations across the length and breadth of the country. We’re excited to add additional EVs to our already extensive fleet in 2025, too!
Waste management systems
At John K. Philips, we aim to make it easier for everyone to meet their sustainable targets by stepping away from conventional warehousing practices.
Committed to minimising the amount of waste that wrongly ends up in the landfill, we implement a zero-to-landfill waste management policy. And we optimise inventory management to ensure our customers only order and stock the goods they need.
Go green with John K. Philips
If 2025 is the year your business will make more sustainable decisions and streamline its operations to maximise productivity and efficiency, John K. Philips can help.
Our specialists are always on and to help – answering any questions and offering expert advice and guidance about our green warehouse.
Why not give us a call on 01744 751 000 or email info@johnkphilips.co.uk?