Fueled by our ongoing expansion and evolution as a solutions provider and in support of Sonepar’s Purpose, Irby Utilities is deeply committed to embedding sustainability across our operations. Our warehouse initiatives, detailed in this brief, represent a strategic focus on driving efficiency, reducing emissions, and cultivating a clean, safe work environment for our associates.
"Our company is in a strong period of growth, and we are tasked with answering today's immediate needs with scalable, long-term solutions. Providing standardized, sustainable initiatives across our warehouse operations is an efficient and cost-effective way to support our branch network in short-term and long-term strategies."
- Erin Winchell, VP of Operations at Irby Utilities.
Warehouse Sustainability Commitments:
Irby's sustainability efforts start with outfitting warehouses with energy-efficient technology and equipment to reduce consumption. The standards below represent requirements for all newly leased Irby warehouse facilities.
LED Lighting
Lighting is the third largest energy end-use across commercial buildings in the United States, accounting for 10% of total commercial building energy.1 Irby is therefore prioritizing the deployment of highly efficient LED lighting technology across our nationwide warehouse network.
Our Commitment: We aspire for each newly leased warehouse to be equipped with 100% LED lighting. Additionally, as opportunities present themselves, we will retrofit existing facilities with LED lighting and energy-saving technology.
The Impact: LED technology is 67% more efficient in lumens per watt2 than previously used HID fixtures, dramatically reducing Irby’s energy consumption per facility.
Electrifying Our Fleet
Traditional gas-powered forklifts carry tremendous environmental impact, with some types consuming six pounds of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) per hour.3 Irby is transitioning our entire indoor forklift fleet to battery-powered, zero-emission equipment. In addition to creating a more sustainable solution for our utility customers, battery-powered lift trucks produce zero tailpipe emissions, which helps all of us breathe cleaner air.
Our Commitment: To phase out gas-powered indoor forklifts by ensuring 100% of new forklifts purchased are battery powered.
The Impact: Switching just one 5,000 lb capacity forklift from gas to electric can save up to 50,580 lbs of direct CO2 emissions annually.*4
Further Commitments
Irby leases newer model freight trucks across our nationwide footprint, which enhances fuel efficiency, lessens the resources needed for repairs, and ensures our vehicles meet the latest and highest emission standards. Each new Irby facility is also equipped with water bottle fillers and dishwashers to encourage the use of reusable bottles, cups, and dishes and reduce paper and plastic waste. Where appropriate, branches are furnished with motion-sensor light controls to minimize energy waste.
Sustainable Technology and Programs
In conjunction with the features above, Irby aims to embed sustainable principles into daily warehouse routines through the following programs.
Paperless Warehouse Operations
Irby is committed to implementing radio frequency (RF) technology across all new warehouses. RF paperless warehouse management systems eliminate waste related to pick lists, shipping information, and inventory count sheets. This wireless technology also builds best-route pick lists, providing faster, more efficient order picking and less forklift time needed per order.
Sustainability Education
Employee education is essential to long-term sustainability plans and remains a priority for Irby. Our associates achieved a 98% completion rate for Sonepar’s "Think Circular and Reduce Waste" training course in 2023, ensuring enterprise-wide engagement in practicing the 10 Rs in our supply chain. Specific to our warehouse employees, Irby’s PEAK program, which is designed to educate and provide career development for warehouse associates, incorporates sustainability modules to build awareness and drive the adoption of eco-friendly values.
Comprehensive Landfill-Diversion and Recycling Program
From waste audits to carbon footprint reports, our company aims to measure our impact further and initiate year-over-year improvements. Irby is implementing a comprehensive waste program across our branch network to create a more sustainable warehouse environment and material delivery method for customers.
Powering a Sustainable Future
"As we continue to grow, our vision is to do so sustainably and efficiently to remain the most reliable and strategic partner to our valued utility customers. By investing in the latest technologies and empowering our teams to adopt environmentally conscious practices, we're positioning Irby as the provider of choice for materials, solutions, support, and sustainability.”
- Greg Turner, Director of Safety and Facilities at Irby Utilities.
Irby Utilities is steadfastly committed to driving sustainable practices throughout our operations. Our warehouse initiatives represent just a fraction of these efforts, with plans to expand solutions, empower our teams, and collaborate with partners to reduce environmental impact and deliver exceptional, sustainable service to our utility customers.
1 https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/use-of-energy/commercial-buildings.php
3 https://www.stouchlighting.com/blog/lighting-comparison-led-versus-hid
*Tail-pipe forklift emissions savings only. An estimated 90% of electric forklift emissions come from the manufacturing process. Full Life-cycle Analysis (LCA) unavailable, as manufacturing technology and sources vary by state.