Logistics and Technology – A Focus on Cost Savings

Tenants are increasingly needing to optimize their warehouse operations. On the one hand, this trend leads to continuous improvements in operational efficiency and cost reductions; on the other hand, it also results in a reduced environmental impact.

Tenants are becoming more aware of their needs. They understand that a warehouse facility is an integral part of their business, so the specific solutions implemented deliver real, measurable benefits.

Some of the most popular technical solutions, which not only reduce costs but also improve workplace comfort, are currently measures that promote energy efficiency. As Marzena Taube, Senior Leasing Manager at 7R, points out, high-quality insulation in warehouse buildings helps reduce heating costs.

In the buildings it constructs, 7R also installs destratifiers. These fans, located near the roof of the building, circulate the hot air that accumulates at the top so that the heat is evenly distributed throughout the space. According to calculations, this can reduce heating consumption by up to 8%.

“When we see electricity and gas prices rising as rapidly as they are now, it becomes a crucial factor for tenants. You also have to keep in mind that 99% of warehouses are heated by gas, and this is particularly important when we’re talking about very large spaces,” says Marzena Taube.

You can expect even greater savings if the docking area has skylights that let natural light into the building.

“Just like all the solutions mentioned earlier, those used by 7R exceed industry standards and, more importantly, enhance the comfort of the work environment for employees in these buildings,” notes Marzena Taube.

Environmentally friendly

Cost-effectiveness and environmental stewardship go hand in hand because the solutions implemented in 7R’s projects are designed to reduce a building’s environmental impact. The company was one of the first in the market to begin installing solar panels on the roofs of its buildings. It also recycles greywater and rainwater that falls on the roofs of its buildings.

“We’ve calculated that solar panels covering an area of 20,000 square meters can provide 100% of the electricity needed each day. This represents a significant savings in operating costs,” argues Marzena Taube.

7R also equips its buildings with DALI-controlled LED lighting systems. Such a system not only adjusts to the amount of natural light outside but also includes sensors that turn on the lights when motion is detected. “Most importantly, the system saves on electricity,” notes the 7R manager.

Efficiency reaches new heights with automation

One of the biggest trends—and one that is largely driven by the rise of e-commerce—is the increasing automation of warehousing operations. This shift toward robotization has been so significant that the warehouse space brought to market just a few years ago bears little resemblance to the space being developed today. Marzena Taube explains that almost all e-commerce companies use automated multi-level stacking systems that are growing taller and taller. These include all kinds of sorters as well as multi-level systems such as Miniload and Autostore.