What's Your Warehouse Emitting? Start with the Right Data

While warehouses are the silent workhorses of modern commerce, did you also know that they’re also silent polluters? From lighting and HVAC to fuel-powered forklifts and packaging waste, the carbon footprint of a single warehouse can be much larger than companies estimate. According to the World Economic Forum, logistics and warehousing activities account for more than 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, most warehouse emissions go unmeasured simply because the right data isn't being collected.

At Fitsol, we believe every decarbonization journey starts with visibility, and not guesswork. And that begins with collecting the right emissions data.

Why Warehouses Matter in Your Net-Zero Strategy

When businesses think about decarbonization, they often focus on manufacturing or transportation. But the warehouse is where multiple emission sources converge.

Here’s all that you should know:

• Scope 1 emissions: On-site fuel use, such as diesel forklifts or natural gas heaters

• Scope 2 emissions: Purchased electricity powering lighting, HVAC, and machinery

• Scope 3 emissions: Indirect emissions from packaging, inbound and outbound logistics, and employee commutes

What’s more, as global regulations tighten, from CBAM in the EU to BRSR in India, warehouse-level emissions are increasingly under scrutiny in ESG reports

Photo by Paul Siewert on Unsplash

The Data Blindspot: What Companies Miss

In our experience working with logistics, FMCG, and retail firms across Asia, a common challenge is incomplete or siloed warehouse data. Energy bills, equipment logs, and transport records are often tracked separately (if at all), making it hard to calculate a comprehensive emissions baseline.

Even something as basic as wattage-based lighting use or monthly diesel consumption can go unmeasured, leading to underreported Scope 1 and 2 emissions.

What Data Do You Actually Need?

Getting a clear picture of your warehouse emissions doesn’t have to be complicated, you just need to start with the right data. At Fitsol, we’ve simplified this into five key buckets:

1. Energy Use
   Your electricity bills are a goldmine. Track how much power you use each month and include any backup sources like diesel generators.

2. Equipment Fuel
   Forklifts, HVACs, and other machines often run on fuel. Keep a log of how much they consume.

3. Goods Movement
   Note the volume and weight of products coming in and going out and the kind of packaging you’re using. More materials mean more emissions.

4. Transport Details
   How are your goods getting to and from the warehouse? Track vehicle types, fuel usage, and trip frequency.

5. Waste Generation
   Don’t forget what leaves the warehouse as waste. Record how much is recyclable, sent to landfill, or requires special handling.

By collecting and centralizing this data, you’ll be able to create accurate, audit-ready carbon reports, and take real action. Fitsol makes this easier by automating data capture, syncing with your existing systems, and generating insights aligned with GHG Protocol, GRI, and CDP frameworks.

How Fitsol Helps: One Platform, Zero Guesswork

At Fitsol, we simplify warehouse emissions tracking with our plug-and-play SaaS platform. You can:

• Upload energy bills and fuel logs in bulk

• Auto-integrate with ERP systems or IoT devices

• Generate real-time carbon insights across Scope 1, 2, and 3

What makes us different is our ability to move you from data to action. Once emissions are mapped, our Green Marketplace connects you to vetted service providers for:

• Energy-efficient lighting upgrades

• Electrification of warehouse fleets

• Sustainable packaging swaps

• Waste management and circularity solutions

Whether you're operating a single storage facility or a regional distribution hub, Fitsol helps you make warehouses a cornerstone of your net-zero strategy.