How do you make an energy-intensive warehouse site CO₂-neutral?
Temperature-controlled storage is one of the most energy-intensive activities in the logistics sector. Freezing, cooling and conditioned storage require a continuous supply of energy. At the same time, energy costs are rising and ESG requirements are becoming increasingly stringent. So how do you keep your warehouse competitive and future-proof?
At our Haven 1167 site in the Port of Antwerp, we tackled this challenge step by step. The location became our first CO₂-neutral warehouse site for internal operations. Below, we explain how we approached this transition and what the logistics sector can learn from our experience.
8 September 2026
Start by understanding your energy consumption
Many logistics sites still rely on older installations. Heating with gas or fuel oil and outdated cooling technologies result in high energy costs and continued dependence on fossil fuels.
At Haven 1167, we also started with a thorough analysis of our energy consumption. This was followed by a phased approach:
- additional roof insulation
- installation of solar panels
- expansion of heating capacity
- replacement of fossil fuel-based installations with heat pumps
- complete upgrade of the cooling system
By spreading these investments over several phases, we maintained control over both budget and implementation.
Lesson for the sector
Electrification requires planning and prioritisation. Work in phases and build on previous improvements.
Increase operational reliability at the same time
Sustainable logistics requires stable processes, especially when it comes to temperature-controlled storage.
Haven 1167 handles, among other products, electronics and lithium batteries. These products require stable conditions. The previous cooling installation did not have redundancy, meaning that if the system failed, temperature control in certain zones would stop.
We therefore installed a redundant cooling system. If one installation fails, a second system automatically takes over. Heated zones were converted to heat pumps. For lithium batteries, we created dedicated areas with constant temperature control and controlled dehumidification.
Customers also expect maximum operational reliability. Redundant cooling and controlled storage conditions strengthen that reliability while helping to reduce energy consumption.
Lesson for the sector
Combine the energy transition with operational reliability. It strengthens customer confidence.
Fully electrify and substantiate your CO₂ position
For our warehouse operations, we operate CO₂-neutrally under the market-based approach.
In practice, this means:
- no fossil fuels for heating or cooling
- all internal energy sources are electric
- a combination of on-site solar energy and green electricity contracts backed by Guarantees of Origin
In an energy-intensive environment involving freezing, cooling and conditioned storage, full electrification requires significant technical modifications. Many older warehouses still rely on gas or fuel oil. Transitioning to an electric system requires adapted infrastructure, new installations and a revised approach to energy management.
Lesson for the sector
Solar panels are one step. Structurally rethinking the entire energy concept creates lasting impact.
Measure down to the smallest detail
Access to detailed data accelerates optimisation.
At Haven 1167, we installed extensive submetering. We measure energy consumption down to low-voltage level, allowing us to understand consumption per activity, zone and customer. This level of allocation creates transparency. We know exactly how much energy is used for freezing, cooling, climate control or specific customer zones. This enables targeted optimisation and supports customers with their ESG reporting.
Transparency is becoming increasingly important in the logistics sector. European regulations foresee stricter reporting requirements for large companies from 2028 onwards. Companies that can accurately allocate their energy consumption gain an advantage when it comes to reporting and compliance.
Lesson for the sector
Energy management starts with measurement. Without data, targeted optimisation is impossible.
Modernise your logistics processes at the same time
Electrification also creates an opportunity to rethink your digital processes.
At Haven 1167, we digitalised the entire check-in and check-out flow:
- Automatic number plate recognition registers trucks upon arrival.
- Drivers check in digitally at an automated kiosk with time-slot management.
- The warehouse management system verifies references and documents and assigns the appropriate loading or unloading dock.
- Barriers open following digital validation.
In addition, a customer portal provides real-time insight into loading and unloading activities. We are also testing artificial intelligence applications for automated document recognition.
Lesson for the sector
Combine the energy transition with digitalisation. It strengthens both efficiency and transparency.
Use one site as a testing ground
We deliberately selected Haven 1167 as a pilot site. Its technically complex environment and stable customer base provided a suitable setting to implement electrification and digitalisation simultaneously.
The knowledge gained from this project forms the basis for further investments across our group. Electrification, energy management and digitalisation will gradually be extended to other sites.
Lesson for the sector
Scale up only after testing. A well-chosen pilot site accelerates learning, reduces risk and makes future roll-outs more efficient.
What does this mean for sustainable logistics?
The logistics sector is evolving rapidly. Energy-intensive activities such as freezing and conditioned storage require structural changes to remain competitive and future-proof. Electrification, energy monitoring and digitalisation reinforce each other and create the greatest impact when implemented together.
Our experience in the Port of Antwerp demonstrates that even a technically complex warehouse environment can transition to a fully electric model, supported by data and process automation.
Want to explore how electrification, energy management and digitalisation can make your warehouse operations more future-proof? We are happy to share our experience and insights.
