Optimizing warehouse operations for environmental sustainability: A simulation study for reducing carbon emissions and maximizing space utilization

Abstract

Loading and unloading operations for Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) in warehouses are critical to logistics management systems. However, these operations also have a significant impact on the environment, particularly in terms of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. As such, warehouse management must consider not only operational efficiency but also environmental impact. The reduction of CO2 emissions in warehouses is becoming increasingly important, both for legal compliance and to meet sustainability targets. In this article, we will emphasize the environmental impact of warehouse operations, particularly on CO2 emissions, and explore ways to minimize them while still maximizing warehouse performance. We will review various optimization models proposed to address this issue and highlight the importance of considering environmental objectives when designing warehouse operations. We will also describe a simulation study conducted to determine the Pareto optimal frontier for a warehouse design, considering transportation, space utilization, and CO2 emissions. The outcomes of implementing this simulation's results include reduced CO2 emissions and increased space utilization, which demonstrate the potential benefits of considering environmental objectives in warehouse design and management.