Saving energy in the warehouse

It is estimated, that within any warehouse distribution centre, recharging the fuel cells of battery-powered forklifts and other MHE accounts for around 25% of a company’s annual energy expenditure. The cost of lighting the building with old fashioned sodium luminaires meanwhile, makes up 70% of the bill.

Savvy companies have realised this and more and more are introducing energy efficient LED luminaires throughout their stores and DCs and they’re enjoying an almost instant return on their investment.

“The ROI numbers are staggering,” says Stuart Cain, operations manager at Leicestershire-based luminaire specialist, Ecolighting.

For example a move to energy efficient lighting has allowed warehousing and transport specialist, Paul Ponsonby, to cut annual lighting costs from £15,035 to £3030 – an annual saving of more than £12,00 or 80%. This means that the company will achieve payback in less than three years.

Another third party logistics specialist, Great Bear, was able to slash its yearly lighting bill from £146,207 to £23,844 – a saving of £122,363 (83%) in 12 months. The company’s annual CO2 emissions were also cut from 799,265 to 130,348 kg. 

The tax breaks that are available to companies who install energy-saving lighting make the case for investment even more compelling.

“The Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECA) scheme encourages businesses to invest in energy saving lighting equipment that meets the performance standards set out in the Energy Technology List (ETL),” explains Stuart Cain.

He continues: “Lighting products that meet the ETL standards may be eligible for first year tax relief - meaning that you can write off the whole cost of the equipment against your taxable profits in the year that you buy it.

“This can be very helpful for cashflow purposes – although, of course, it makes sense to get confirmation from your supplier that the equipment meets the ETL criteria before you invest in it.”