Lower-emission logistics: what this means in practice
For logistics service providers, reducing ecological impact is not merely a question of willingness, but a structural challenge. Road freight transport continues to depend on conventional drives. Technological alternatives for heavy commercial vehicles are still in development or in the early stages of market introduction.
This makes it all the more important to invest where impact on the path to sustainable transport can already be achieved today: in energy supply, building technology, and operational infrastructure. This is precisely what Karl Michels GmbH & Co. KG does, with concrete measures that can be named and substantiated.
Solar energy: 1 megawatt of self-generated power on the company premises
A photovoltaic system with a capacity of 1 megawatt is installed on the company premises in Meudt. The solar power generated flows directly into operations and measurably reduces the purchase of external electricity.
The system will prospectively be supplemented by an electricity storage unit that enables demand-based use of the generated power outside of generation periods. Planning for this is underway.
In addition, 8 charging points for electric vehicles are available on the premises, currently designed for passenger cars and as infrastructure for the gradual electrification of the company car fleet.
Heat pumps instead of oil heating: complete conversion
The heating of the entire company premises has been converted to heat pumps, both in the workshop halls and in the office buildings. The oil heating system has thus been completely replaced.
This measure permanently reduces fossil energy consumption at the site and lowers dependence on heating oil as an energy source. The photovoltaic system and the heat pump heating together measurably reduce the fossil energy requirement at the Meudt site.
Electric intralogistics: no exhaust emissions in the halls
In the warehouse halls, Michels relies exclusively on electrically operated forklifts. This means no exhaust emissions are produced in enclosed spaces. This standard in the sense of sustainable logistics has applied at Michels since the start of operations.
For outdoor use, where higher lifting loads and ranges are required, diesel-powered equipment is used in individual cases. The indoor area remains exempt from this.
Conclusion: concrete investments instead of statements of intent
In recent years, Karl Michels GmbH & Co. KG has made targeted investments in renewable energies, modern building technology, and electrical infrastructure – with measurable results: 1 megawatt of solar capacity, fully electrified hall logistics, and no more oil heating on the entire company premises.
The journey is not yet complete. But it has begun.
For all questions, the team of
Karl Michels GmbH & Co. KG is at your disposal.
