DB Schenker opens 50th eco warehouse after modernisation

DB Schenker, one of the world's leading global logistics providers, has reopened a sustainable logistics terminal in Tilburg, Netherlands.

After modernisation in 2021, the terminal has now been awarded by Deutsche Bahn as the 50th eco warehouse for DB Schenker, according to an official statement. "Eco warehouses are part of an integrated concept developed by DB Schenker that enables warehouses to be operated in an energy-efficient manner, thereby improving the well being of employees and greatly reducing CO2 emissions."

Global standards for sustainable construction were used when the new terminal was constructed – i.e. standards relating to heat insulation, use of renewable resources obtainable from the region surrounding the building, installation of modern natural lighting systems for the well-being of employees, and the use of efficient HVAC system for heating, ventilation and air conditioning, the statement said. "Five beehives were also placed on the site in order to increase biodiversity in the vicinity."

"At DB Schenker, we drive #sustainability holistically, and the eco warehouses are a great example," says Jochen Thewes, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, DB Schenker in his LinkedIn post. "Providing a future-proof, professional, and safe working environment and a huge leverage in reducing CO2 emissions to serve our strategic goal to be CO2-neutral by 2040."

Reduced use of terminal material handling equipment (MHE) via semi-automation of goods handling has been achieved, waste management has been improved at offices, and charging stations have been installed for electric bikes and vehicles, the statement said.

"Eco warehouses are the future of our terminals," says Cyrille Bonjean, Head of Land Transport, DB Schenker Europe. "The facility in Tilburg is the latest example of how quickly we're moving toward highly automated, eco-efficient freight hubs. This serves our strategic goal to become CO2-neutral by 2040 and it's already having a positive effect on our employees, who are now able to work in a future-proof, professional, and safe environment."

Pierre van Diesen, Head of Land Transport, DB Schenker BeNeLux adds: "DB Schenker in the BeNeLux continues to invest in a sustainable future. The land transport branch office in Tilburg, one of the logistics hotspots in the Netherlands, is a strategic location within our European network. The short distance to the A58 highway is ideal and helps us reduce our CO2 emissions."

The modernised terminal site has an area of 59,210 m2. With 90 loading docks, the warehouse is fully adapted to cross-dock activities for pallet distribution and can handle over 20,000 shipments per week. The site employs 350 people, the statement added.