SIMPLE INTERVENTIONS TO CONTROL RISING WAREHOUSE ENERGY COSTS IN INDIA

According to a 2022 report by Savills India Construction Cost Guide - Industrial & Logistics, construction costs for Grade A warehousing have increased 9.26% to 10.44% on average with Mumbai and Kolkata seeing the highest construction costs for industrial and warehousing spaces which includes cost of materials like crude oil, steel, copper, cement, glass, wood and labour wages.

The demand for industrial and warehousing units are expected to grow at a steady pace. But while the costs associated with the construction of warehouses are increasing, facility managers can ensure a check during its operations which involves cooling, heating, lighting, running of manufacturing and other machines, driving and lifting movements of forklifts and constant opening and closing of doors. This can be achieved by being cognizant of the use of resources like energy and water, recycling of waste, comfortable environment for higher worker productivity and choosing the right energy efficient equipment.

As the world's leading expert at enhancing safety in the loading dock, Rite-Hite has been developing innovative solutions that contribute to an optimal indoor climate in industrial environments. Here are some simple interventions;

1. ENSURE MAXIMUM SEALING OF LOADING DOCK OPENINGS

Loading and unloading can become energy-draining activities if dock shelters do not seal properly. Most dock shelters accommodate a trailer along the sides, bottom and top, but corners may remain fully or partially open. In some cases there are just a few gaps here and there. These seem harmless at first sight, but studies show that such small openings can result in enormous energy loss per loading bay! For this reason alone, you should choose dock shelters with optimum sealing features like those of the Eclipse from Rite-Hite.

In a single piece of equipment, the Eclipse Dock Shelter provides a tight, consistent seal all the way up trailer sides, across the top, and at the corners. Working together, the Eclipse shelter and PitMaster under-leveler sealing system?provide an advanced, highly effective seal at the loading dock.

Learn more about Rite-Hite Eclipse Dock Shelter.

2. CHOOSE FANS THAT OPTIMISE THE DESTRATIFICATION PROCESS

Regardless of the type of warehouse, HVLS fans (high volume, low speed), with their large blades and relatively slow speeds, offer many advantages. They consume less energy than traditional (faster) fans and, in summer, are an ideal supplement to your air conditioning system. The increased air movement they generate reduces temperatures and can help make the air feel up to 10°C cooler.

They also improve conditions through destratification: in other words, they create an even temperature throughout the warehouse by mixing warm air with cool air. This is particularly valuable in winter when most of the heated air would otherwise rise to the ceiling, leaving employees to work in the cold downstairs.

In addition to keeping the temperature comfortable, Rite-Hite HVLS fans can also help reduce the chance of a heat stress and help eliminate illness associated with “sick” buildings by improving indoor air quality.

With the Fan-Commander Touch Screen Control Station, users can optimise the year-round performance of Rite-Hite HVLS fans throughout a single facility, maximising the energy savings and comfort they deliver.

Learn more about Rite-Hite HVLS Industrial Fans.

3. LOOK FOR EXCELLENT SPEED IN INDUSTRIAL DOORS

The contribution of doors to better climate control is not restricted to loading docks. Where forklifts and warehouse trucks frequently move from one hall to another, high-speed doors are essential to ensuring rapid passage without causing temperature fluctuations. This is especially true in applications where certain zones or even complete halls need to be cooled, for example in a pharmaceutical or food storage facility. Every split second saved by closing the door faster saves energy.

Home to the fastest high-speed door in the industry, Rite-Hite has a large collection of high-performance, high-speed door solutions in roll-up and bi-parting designs, available in versatile track configurations.?

Learn more about Rite-Hite High Speed Industrial Doors.

Rite-Hite advisors in India can conduct a thorough on-site survey to determine where improvements are possible. A minimal investment can often yield considerable savings. Write to us at [email protected]