Environmentally sound solutions to the challenges of distribution center and warehouse design have become popular over the last decade, but did you know that “Going Green” offers benefits far beyond caring for the environment?
It’s a common and understandable misconception that implementing an eco-friendly project is too expensive and not worth the effort. However, green construction and systems provide lower-than-industry-standard operational costs. A 2003 study on the costs and benefits of green projects suggests that an up-front investment of as little as an additional 2% yields over ten times that amount in savings.
Eco-friendly facilities can also save money on employee-related expenses. Green programs often provide healthier work and living environments, which contributes to higher productivity and improved employee health and comfort.
Implementing environmentally sound initiatives can range from the simple (installing sensor-controlled lighting in low-traffic areas) to the complex (conveyor systems designed with fewer motors and sleep mode controls). Whether you create a more efficient floor plan for lift truck drivers or pursue LEED Certification on a new distribution center, going green is friendly to both the planet and your bottom line.
Utilizing space efficiently in a warehouse or distribution center can be an exercise in trade-offs. The smaller the footprint of your building, the less expensive utilities become and shorter distances between receiving, storage, order fulfillment and shipping also adds efficiencies and cost savings. However, buildings sized just right for right now can lead to difficulty expanding or reconfiguring later on.
Adding mezzanine levels can be a fast and easy way to double your space and can cost up to 80% less than a building addition. In addition to being less expensive initially, mezzanines can also qualify for accelerated depreciation similar to capital equipment, saving you money at both ends of the expansion.
Easy to install, move and expand, mezzanines install in days rather than weeks or months and reduce the disruption of your business. Free-standing, building-supported, rack-supported or shelving-supported, mezzanines offer solutions for everything from records storage to shelving systems or pre-engineered offices.
DAK has decades of experience in helping customers use the empty space above the material handling happening on the floor. Give us a call at 630-516-1115 or visit www.DAKEquipment.com - we’ll be happy to help you move up!