Energy efficiency a top priority for 80% of warehouse operators, finds Panattoni report

Panattoni, in collaboration with law firm HFW, tech provider Pledge, and research firm Analytiqa, has released the 2024 European Logistics & Supply Chain Sustainability Report. The study shows that energy-saving solutions remain a top priority for 80% of warehouse operators, underscoring the growing focus on sustainability in logistics and supply chain management.

Key findings include the increasing importance of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, with 59% of respondents prioritizing EV charging points as standard in new warehouses. However, financial barriers remain a challenge, with two-thirds of companies citing costs as an obstacle to adopting sustainability measures. Despite this, 42% of companies are now willing to pay a rent premium, equivalent to operational cost savings, for sustainable facilities.

Biodiversity around warehouse sites is also gaining attention, with 49% of businesses investing in eco-friendly surroundings. Additionally, technology is playing a crucial role, helping companies manage emissions and enhance sustainability practices. However, over one-third of respondents still see a lack of technology as a barrier to further progress.

As businesses continue to integrate sustainability into their operations, the report highlights a trend toward embedding sustainability targets in contracts. Over 33% of companies now include sustainability goals as formal obligations, with many retaining the right to terminate agreements if these are not met.

Emilia Dębowska, Head of Sustainability Europe at Panattoni, commented: “The challenge of defining or measuring financial returns on sustainability measures has decreased, despite financial constraints and the fact that these efforts often lead to higher investment costs. It may indicate progress in the ability to quantify the benefits of sustainability efforts or to understand the positive impact of the transition over the longer term.”

Although financial constraints persist, with two-thirds of companies facing difficulties, the availability of grants and subsidies is seen as critical to driving future sustainability efforts. The report’s findings reflect a sector that, while increasingly focused on green initiatives, continues to grapple with the challenges of financing and technology.

The 2024 report surveyed 102 senior decision-makers across 16 European countries, offering insights into the ongoing efforts to achieve carbon neutrality in logistics and supply chains.