Rising energy prices, volatile electricity markets, and increasing regulatory requirements make energy efficiency a key factor in logistics.
Logistics real estate is among the most energy-intensive asset classes. At the same time, it offers numerous opportunities to sustainably reduce consumption and costs. A holistic approach that considers the building, technical infrastructure, and operations is crucial.
Reducing Energy Consumption in Building Operations
A large portion of energy demand arises during the day-to-day operation of the property. Lighting is a key factor here. The use of modern LED systems significantly reduces electricity consumption. In addition, occupancy and daylight sensors ensure that lighting is activated only when actually in use—both in warehouses and in outdoor areas.
Heating systems also offer potential for savings. Large indoor spaces require precise control of heating technology. Smart control systems and programmable thermostats enable heating tailored to actual needs. Even small reductions in temperature lead to measurable savings. Regular maintenance of the systems is essential to prevent efficiency losses.
Another area for improvement lies in the building envelope. Heat loss often results from inadequate insulation or open loading areas. Improvements to the roof, facade, and doors sustainably reduce heating requirements. High-speed doors on loading ramps minimize air exchange and stabilize the temperature inside the building.
Efficiency Potential in Warehousing and Conveyor Technology
In addition to the building itself, technical equipment contributes significantly to energy consumption. Conveyor, warehousing, and IT systems account for a considerable portionof electricity demand in logistics operations. Optimizations therefore have a direct impact on operating costs.
Intralogistics primarily relies on industrial trucks. Modern electric or hybrid forklifts equipped with lithium-ion batteries are energy-efficient, produce lower emissions, and have a long service life. Additional savings can be achieved through time-controlled charging, particularly outside of peak load periods.
Targeted Optimization of IT Infrastructure
Information and communication technology is an often-underestimated source of energy consumption. Servers frequently run regardless of actual workload. Scheduled power cycling and server virtualization significantly reduce power consumption. Alternatively, cloud-based applications can replace physical server capacity, provided that cost-effectiveness, data security, and ongoing costs are carefully evaluated.
In-house energy generation as a strategic component.
Logistics properties often have large, contiguous roof areas that are suitable for the installation of photovoltaic systems. Generating electricity on-site lowers energy costs, reduces dependence on the electricity market, and improves the carbon footprint. Prerequisites include suitable structural integrity, sufficient grid connection capacity, and an economically sound design. In the long term, PV systems can transform the property from a mere consumer into an active component of the energy supply.
Transparency through Monitoring and Energy Management
Energy efficiency requires transparency. Smart metering systems enable detailed, real-time tracking of consumption. Peak loads, deviations, and inefficient operating conditions become visible at an early stage. On this basis, technical systems can be optimally adjusted and energy consumption can be specifically controlled. A uniform, standardized measurement concept that integrates building and operational technology is crucial here.
A holistic approach
Individual measures only have an impact when they work together. Insulation measures influence the design of heating systems, on-site power generation changes load profiles, and monitoring creates the basis for continuous optimization. Those who take a strategic approach to energy efficiency not only reduce costs but also enhance the sustainability of logistics real estate—both economically and ecologically.
