DHL opens eco-friendly facility in Coventry

DHL Supply Chain has announced the opening of their new eco-friendly facility in Coventry.

This new facility is 100% powered by renewable energy and is the first carbon neutral new build DHL site in the UK, which will generate 260 new jobs.

The facility boasts an array of remarkable features, chief among them an innovative air source heat pump responsible for regulating both warehouse and office temperatures with unparalleled efficiency. This groundbreaking system is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by an impressive 135 tonnes annually, far surpassing the environmental impact of conventional gas-powered alternatives.

Additionally, the site harnesses the power of the sun through 3000 solar panels, complemented by a custom onsite battery storage system meticulously crafted by DHL’s in-house Digital Manufacturing team. Together, these technologies not only supply over 40% of the facility's electricity needs but also significantly enhance its energy self-sufficiency. Moreover, in a nod to sustainable transportation, the site features 30 electric vehicle charging spaces, further cementing DHL's commitment to eco-friendly logistics practices

The facility spans an impressive 900,000 square feet and is equipped with various automation features, such as a top-of-the-line pick-to-light system and three levels of mezzanine flooring for handling lightweight goods. Additionally, autonomous cleaning robots ensure cleanliness throughout the space.

Natalie Frow, Managing Director of Ecommerce & Retail at DHL Supply Chain UK & Ireland, highlighted the significance of their new Coventry operation, emphasizing its status as a “fully renewable electricity-powered warehouse, setting a new standard for the industry. The design and fit-out of the facility prioritize three key aspects: our people, customers, and the environment”.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, praised the facility's eco-friendly features, stressing the vital role on the private sector which “will be mission critical in helping us achieve our ambitions to be a net zero region by 2041”.

The facility aligns with DHL's Carbon Neutral Building Framework and supports their Sustainability Roadmap, aiming for operational carbon neutrality across all DHL Supply Chain warehouses by 2025.

This expansion is part of the broader DHL Fulfilment Network (DFN) growth initiative in the UK.

Source: DHL

Header image: DHL