greenlogistics GREEN EQUIPMENT
than in the past. Plus, the fast-charging systems for batteries that are now on the market typically reduce the number
of batteries required per truck by at least half (and eliminate the need for a battery changing room).
The environment inside
As for the facility itself, there are plenty of ways to make a
building more eco-friendly without investing in costly new
heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. To begin with,
you can install large, low-speed ceiling fans as an alternative
or supplement to air conditioning. In the winter, these same
fans can force the warm air that rises to the ceiling back
down to floor level, where there can be a 20-degree temperature difference.
For very hot climates, also consider misting devices to
help keep workers cool as an alternative to air conditioning.
If you haven’t already, install dock seals, barriers, and side
curtains around all openings at a facility’s docks. The seals
will not only help keep heated or cooled air from escaping,
but will also prevent insects and other pests from entering.
Many dock equipment companies also offer seals for their
dock levelers and truck plates and the small area around the
hip to be green?
When it began its search for a new distribution facility in
December 2007, Gainesville, Fla.-based Exactech had two
main goals, and neither had anything to do with the environment. First, the company wanted more space. Second, it
was looking to upgrade to a faster, more efficient system for
filling orders for its products, surgical instruments and orthopedic implants for hip, knee, and shoulder replacements.
But when it came time to choose the material handling
systems for the new facility, Exactech’s designer and integrator, TriFactor, suggested that its client consider setting a
third goal for itself: to use eco-friendly equipment where
possible. “The opportunity was presented to us to go
green,” recalls Kevin Godwin, Exactech’s director of customer operations. The company agreed to give the matter
some thought, and soon afterwards, added eco-friendliness to its list of priorities.
After looking at the various options, Exactech concluded
that the biggest eco-benefits would come from selecting
energy-efficient conveyors and lighting. For conveyors, it
chose a motor-driven roller (MDR) model manufactured by
Hilmot Corp. The conveyors, which run on 24-volt direct current electricity, operate only “on demand,” that is, when a
product is present. That makes them as much as 60 percent
more efficient than traditional conveyors, which run continuously. They’re significantly quieter as well. “We refer to it as
our ‘stealth’ conveyor,” says Godwin. And because the
motors are not constantly running, there is less wear on
belts, bearings, and other conveyor components.
trailer hinges where air can escape. Consider vinyl strip
doors, rollup doors, and air curtains to maintain temperatures in the various zones of refrigerated and freezer buildings—keeping the cold where it belongs.
If your facility uses mercury vapor, sodium vapor, halogen, metal halide, or tungsten lights, think about replacing
your existing system with a more energy-efficient alternative, like high-output fluorescent and similar induction
lighting systems. T8 fluorescent fixtures, for example, operate on just 64 watts and can reduce power consumption by
two-thirds while still producing more illumination than
older lights. You can also save energy by installing motion
sensors in racks and other areas of the building to turn
lights on only when workers are present.
One step at a time
While the list of opportunities to go green may seem overwhelming, remember that you don’t have to do everything at
once. Instead, start with those improvements that make the
most sense for your operation and your budget—no matter
how insignificant they may seem at the outset. When it comes
to saving the planet, even small steps can have a big impact.
As for lighting, the company came up with an energy-efficient lighting system that could be described as spartan yet
functional. Taking advantage of a resource abundantly
available in the Sunshine State, it installed skylights that
flood the facility with natural light. A polished concrete floor
and white insulation on the walls further reflect the light,
keeping the space well illuminated.
With artificial lighting, Exactech took a “less is more”
approach, installing as little as possible. The lights it did
install are controlled by a user-friendly switch panel that
allows lights to be turned on only in the areas needed. As
a result, power consumption in the new building is lower
than it was in the old building, which was about half its
size, according to Godwin.
Godwin says Exactech is now looking at replacing the
nickel metal lighting fixtures that were there when the
company moved into the building with more efficient
induction lighting. Induction lamps would require half the
wattage of the current lamps to produce comparable light
output. Swapping out the fixtures would further reduce the
building’s power consumption by half.
As for how it’s all working out, it appears that Exactech
has no reason to regret its decision to go green. “It was
more expensive up front,” says Godwin, “but we save in the
long run with lower maintenance and energy savings.” Plus,
the green initiative was a good fit with the company’s values, he adds. “As a corporation, we are very community-ori-ented, and so it made sense for us to go green.”
