Logistics specialist Rhenus launches new sustainable warehouses in Nuneaton

Entrepreneur Lisa Witter, Chair of Green Innovation Challenge Group, said: “The UK has the potential to lead the world in Green Innovation. We believe our report gives policymakers a springboard to unlock that potential.

A major new sustainable warehousing development has been officially opened at Baytree, Nuneaton, by third-party logistics (3PL) provider Rhenus Warehousing Solutions UK.

The ‘Rhenus Campus’, was officially opened in a launch ceremony on Thursday, April 18.

square feet across 64 acres. The first warehouse is 210,000sq ft, whilst the second warehouse totals 771,000sq ft.

“All of our recommendations are pragmatic and with political support can be implemented in a timely manner.

The campus reaches high levels of sustainability by being certified “BREEAM Outstanding” and is setting new standards for environmental protection, helping Rhenus Warehousing Solutions UK to put sustainability at the forefront of its operations.

“I’ve been delighted to chair our meetings over recent months, bringing together some of the UK’s most prominent businesses alongside leading academics. The message is clear – business can, and will, play a leadership role in sustainably transforming our economy.

Rhenus Warehousing Solutions UK, which won the 2023 UKWA Award for Excellence in Sustainability, and Baytree are committed to bringing forward pioneering environmental and social advancements associated with logistics buildings, and to be creating new benchmarks in the sector.

Significant reductions in whole-life carbon are being achieved, such as the CLT timber floors being 64 per cent lower embodied carbon than a standard floor. Three air source heat pumps, enough to heat and ventilate the campus’ offices and provide frost protection for the warehouses, and 80 electric car charging points have been installed.

“Critically the report also recognises the role of green jobs and skills in driving change and echoes IEMA’s call for a body to be established at the heart of government to advise on green workforce matters over the longterm.”

Ronny Sassen, CEO of Rhenus Warehousing Solutions, said: “The Rhenus Campus is one of the best examples of sustainable warehousing, and forms an important part of our global commitment to positively impacting the environment. Energy efficiency is being improved throughout and biodiversity initiatives are being implemented wherever possible.”

James Close, Head of Climate Change at NatWest Group, and member of the BCC Business Council, said: “As the first major economy to enshrine net zero into law, the UK has already seen strong progress on our decarbonisation journey.

Renewable energy is being generated on-site via 2,288 415-watt solar panels, which give a total system size of over 949 kWp (kilowatt peak). The system will feed an estimated 870,000 kWh per annum into the campus – the equivalent power consumption of approximately 250 homes for a year.

“The UK is on the right track. This report’s recommendations can propel British businesses into a global leadership role, seizing the opportunity of becoming the agents of change.”

The Rhenus Campus is home to two warehouses, measuring a total of one million

Ross McKenzie, Corporate Affairs Director at Drax and member of the BCC Business Council, said: “The climate crisis is the critical challenge for the UK and the world. The foundations of this report are built on the expertise of businesses of all sizes and we were delighted to support its development.

“The report sets out practical recommendations which, if adopted, could further catalyse the country’s journey to reaching net zero and accelerating the development of carbon capture and storage.” lot of work has gone into making the Rhenus Campus reach such impressive sustainability goals, and we are proud to have officially opened the development with our customers, partners and stakeholders. We are looking forward to providing our customers with innovative solutions from this environmentally-friendly, state-of-the-art facility.”

The site features extensive green spaces, homes for local wildlife, and between 700 and 900 native trees. Employees can utilise on-site allotments, sports pitches, a walking/cycling trail and outdoor gym.

“However, we know that the next stage will require greater collaboration across the public and private sector to reach net zero by 2050.

Rhenus is also running a Community Outreach Programme, in which it has partnered with Nuneaton Borough Ladies and Girls FC, Attleborough Sports JFC, the Nuneaton branch of the British Gurkha Veterans Association and Dare2Dream Foundation, allowing them to use the company’s facilities.

During the launch ceremony, the solar panels were switched on by UKWA Member Benefits Manager, Tracey Starkey.

Emma Howard Boyd, chair of the Green Finance Institute, said: “Extreme weather brought by the climate crisis is increasingly disrupting lives and the economy. The collective ingenuity of British businesses can provide the solutions the world needs.

“At NatWest, and as highlighted in the Green Innovation Challenge Report, we see that many businesses are determined to play their part in supporting both decarbonisation and green innovation and have the potential to unlock significant revenue for themselves as well as enable the country to meet its climate commitments.”

Alison McRae, Senior Director at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and member of the BCC Green Innovation Challenge Group, said: "It is fitting that the Green Innovation report is launched here in Glasgow at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland ahead of what will be another critical year for our economy and the sustainability agenda.

Mike Gamble, Rhenus Managing Director, said: “This is a hugely significant milestone for us. A

Amit Babbar, UK Development Director at Baytree, said: “We are proud to have delivered the Rhenus Campus project at Baytree, Nuneaton. The project incorporates numerous industry firsts on a development of this scale.”