Loading bays are essential to any industrial building, vital in settings from logistic centres to warehouses. Unfortunately, not all of them are as energy-efficient as they could be. Current government initiatives require companies to examine the energy efficiency of their business practices to reduce their carbon footprint. Loading bays are a good place to contemplate making changes that could help reduce energy bills, improve energy efficiency and even reduce carbon footprint. Here, we explore some of how a more energy-efficient loading bay can improve the way you do business.
Loading and unloading
Whether you operate a manufacturing plant or a distribution centre, much of the time is spent taking deliveries and dispatching goods. During the loading and unloading process, loading bay doors are continually being opened which can result in significant fluctuations in temperatures. It can be hard to keep temperatures at an even level, meaning that to bring temperatures back to an appropriate level, the heating in your building will have to work extra hard. It does this every time you open the loading bay doors, which can have a significant impact over time on your energy bills.
With this in mind, it is essential to consider what measures you can take to prevent significant temperature fluctuations, which can cause your energy use to soar and increase your carbon footprint.
Fortunately, there are a number of different measures that you can employ to help you with this problem.
Loading bay sectional doors
This type of door is composed of an inner and outer surface. There is a layer of high-density foam that can help prevent heat loss between the two surfaces. Sectional doors are efficient to open using smart controls, meaning they open for less time than a more traditional style of warehouse door. This also helps reduce the amount of energy lost from your building.
Efficient seals ensure that when your dock doors are closed properly there is no gap for cold air to get in or hot air to get out.
Dock shelters
A dock shelter is another energy-efficient way to protect your goods and your employees during the loading and unloading process. It ensures that they stay warm and happy whilst they are working. They also help reduce your heating bills, which helps you reduce your carbon footprint. There is no need to have complex canopies installed in your warehouse or ramp assemblies. All of these benefits will also help you reduce your costs and save you time.
Opt for a dock shelter that fits a wide range of lorry sizes, is high quality, and offers a flexible yet sturdy construction. This, in combination with the right cushioning and inflatable dock seals, will provide you with a safe and comfortable loading and unloading environment. The heating loss will be minimal, and energy efficiency levels will be met.
Consider your customers
Customers are increasingly turning to companies making efforts to reduce their carbon footprint. Making sustainable choices is just as important for small businesses as it is for large operations. You need to show customers that is your operation safe, efficient and productive. It’s also important to set sustainability standards and reduce your carbon footprint, especially if trying to create a newly loyal customer base. If you are not doing your bit, then eco-conscious customers will likely take their business elsewhere.
Whilst many companies can be wary of additional spending, particularly in the current economic uncertainty, energy bills are rising and show little sign of slowing down. It makes sense to install energy-efficient solutions that can help you reduce the amount of energy you lose.
