GREENLANDSCAPE [ INSIGHT ]
by Elias Teufel Avnet Logistics, EMEA Elias.Teufel@avnet.eu | 800-408-8353
Renewable Energy Fuels the Future Renewable energy is becoming an increasingly essential component of sustainable supply chains for many interconnected reasons that address both environmental imperatives and business realities.
By producing energy on site, logistics operations can insulate key operations from geopolitical shocks and ensure operational continuity. This is especially important in the electronic components market and the demand for semiconductors worldwide. Combining the use of renewable energy with rigorous energy monitoring and control under an implemented or even certi ed ISO 50001:2018 Energy Management System enables logistics companies to achieve stable, forecastable operational costs and reduce dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets. Avnet’s analysis shows that the integrated approach allows for annual energy cost savings of approximately 1-15%, depending on the state of the infrastructure. Older logistics facilities typically show higher savings up to 15%, while newer buildings can achieve optimized energy usage through renewable sources within one to three years and, more realistically, show savings within a range of 1-3%. Logistics companies need risk strategies that combine ISO 50001:2018-based energy management with phased, data- driven investments. Using Energy Performance Indicators (EnPIs) and facility management software ensures transparency and control, while Lean Six Sigma methods help optimize energy use without compromising reliability.
ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 50001:2018, the international standards for improved environmental and energy performance. Small to mid-sized enterprises within the global supply chain often manage to implement these management systems but struggle to achieve veri able certi cation through accredited independent certi cation bodies. This approach ensures green compliance as a critical procurement requirement and responds to the customers and manufacturing partners who increasingly demand measurable supply chain sustainability practices. Early adopters of renewable energy practices gain cost leadership, supply chain stability, stronger ESG performance and better regulatory readiness. These advantages position logistics operations as preferred partners in increasingly sustainability conscious markets. REDUCING SUPPLY CHAIN VULNERABILITY Distributed renewable energy systems, such as photovoltaic systems, can reduce supply chain vulnerability to fossil fuel price volatility and petroleum supply disruptions during geopolitical crises and natural disasters.
The logistics sector is transforming as companies adopt renewable energy solutions. This shift is changing the fundamental cost structure of logistics operations and enhancing sustainability and resilience across supply chains. Adopting renewable energy solutions, such as photovoltaic systems combined with implementing dark warehouse concepts in distribution centers, shifts upfront capital expenditure from fossil fuel reliance to long-term savings through lower energy costs and more predictable electricity pricing. This transition helps stabilize costs by reducing reliance on volatile fossil fuel prices and supporting a shift to more energy-ef cient, electri ed processes within warehouses and distribution centers. As renewable energy becomes standard in logistics operations, companies must also integrate environmental and sustainability criteria into their procurement processes and supplier selection criteria. Successful logistics operations favor vendors with renewable energy
strategies and valid management system certi cations aligned with
76 Inbound Logistics • January 2026
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