The cost for operating equipment in manufacturing facilities and distribution centers is an ongoing cost that requires a substantial amount of electrical power. Companies can reduce electrical demand by upgrading to energy-efficient equipment that utilize high-efficiency motors or variable-frequency drives.

Many warehouses and distribution facilities are extremely large and house material handling systems that handle varying sizes and weights of containers or products. An individual conveyor system could measure five to six miles. Managing and maintaining this equipment can be a challenge.

Facility managers are always looking for new ways to improve their performance in order to keep equipment running smoothly and efficiently. For example, depending on the complexity of the facility’s conveyor system, it could account for as much as 50% of a facility’s electrical load. Because of these systems’ huge use of electricity, it is a natural target for improving energy efficiency.

♦  According to The Common Fire Foundation, buildings use 36% of all energy consumed in the US, 65% of electricity, 30% of raw materials and 12% of potable water. Warehousing costs can account for almost 10% of a company’s revenue, with heating and lighting as the two largest energy users. Being able to save money in any of these areas is good for a company’s bottom line.

♦  The HVAC system is a huge drain on energy in a warehouse. If the warehouse is unoccupied much of the time, evaluate the level of heating and air conditioning really necessary to make the environment comfortable or store the company’s products.