• London Gateway DHL with Lochinvar Commercial Solar Water Heating

London Gateway DHL with Lochinvar Commercial Solar Water Heating

London Gateway DHL with Lochinvar Commercial Solar Water Heating

DHL Supply Chain, a global logistics leader, has elevated its commitment to sustainability with the London Thames Gateway depot—a purpose-built, world-class distribution center that integrates Lochinvar Commercial Solar Water Heating. This strategic move marks a significant milestone, aligning DHL’s value-added services, management expertise, and traditional fulfillment and distribution with a vision for a more sustainable future. Situated within London Gateway’s Logistics Park, this facility offers direct access to the United Kingdom’s premier trade hub, boasting advanced port and rail terminals. Let’s delve into this groundbreaking initiative and the advantages of adopting commercial solar water heating.

 

1. A Hub of Innovation: DHL’s investment in automation has laid the foundation for this strategic location, reinforcing its dedication to delivering unparalleled services. Nestled in the heart of London Gateway’s Logistics Park, this facility boasts the ideal combination of location, infrastructure, and technology to serve Greater London and the South East efficiently. It embodies a commitment to enhancing supply chain resilience and providing direct access to the UK’s most connected trade hub.

 

 

2. Cutting-Edge Facility:

  • Operational Excellence: The new facility, set to be fully operational in spring 2023, represents a significant leap forward for the industry. With Mars UK already reserving 60% of the site, it promises substantial opportunities for the market.
  • Sustainable Warehousing: The 42-meter high bay warehouse within the facility has received an ‘outstanding’ accreditation from BREEAM, a leading construction sustainability standard. This achievement reflects a commitment to environmentally sustainable construction.
  • Automation Advancements: Market-leading levels of automation are a key feature of the facility, translating into cost and time savings for operations.

3. Visionary Leadership Speaks:

  • Jim Hartshorne, Managing Director: Jim Hartshorne, Managing Director, Retail & Consumer UK & I, DHL Supply Chain, expressed pride in launching this landmark project. He emphasized the facility’s efficiency and its role as an exemplar of sustainable warehousing.
  • Tim Walker, Supply Chain Director, Mars UK: Tim Walker, Supply Chain Director, Mars UK, highlighted the project’s significance in Mars’ journey toward sustainability. The facility aligns with Mars’ commitment to conducting business in a manner that benefits both the company and the planet.

4. Sustainable Investment:

  • Reducing Carbon Footprint: The construction of this facility is part of a £350 million investment, which includes another warehouse in the East Midlands. Collectively, these investments will decrease Mars’ outbound logistics carbon footprint in the UK by 7.7%.
  • Solar-Powered: These buildings incorporate solar power solutions, further contributing to their sustainability. They rank among the top 1% of non-domestic buildings in the UK in terms of environmental standards.

5. The Solar Water Heating System:

  • Solar Panel Array: The facility employs 6 x LSP20+ Premium Commercial flat plate thermal panels. These panels feed into 2x 388-liter twin coil vessels, providing a total solar storage volume of 300 liters.
  • Daily Hot Water Usage: The estimated daily hot water usage is approximately 2000 liters.
  • Efficient Heat Transfer: Solar radiation, both direct and diffused, is absorbed by the collector and converted into heat. This heat is then transferred to the heat transfer medium, glycol antifreeze fluid with corrosion inhibitors.
  • Advanced Control: The system is managed by the DeltasolBX Differential Controller, constantly measuring temperatures within the solar collectors and thermal store. It ensures efficient energy transfer between the collectors and the solar cylinder.

DHL London Gateway’s adoption of Lochinvar Commercial Solar Water Heating sets a new benchmark in sustainable logistics. This facility represents a convergence of location, infrastructure, and technology, making it a pivotal player in Greater London’s supply chain. With an emphasis on sustainability, operational efficiency, and automation, this project exemplifies DHL’s commitment to pioneering solutions that benefit both businesses and the planet. The incorporation of solar water heating technology aligns with broader sustainability goals, contributing to reduced carbon emissions and exemplifying the potential for innovation in logistics and warehousing.

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