What Do Smart Lockers Have To Do with Sustainability?

What is a Smart Locker & Why is it Important for the Future of Sustainability?

The world is changing. We are living in an age where the planet is running out of resources at a rapid pace. It is time to take action and start developing sustainable solutions to the problem, and one of the most important aspects of sustainability is logistics.

Studies show that almost 24% of green house gases comes from the logistics industry. Worse still, the rise of e-commerce is set to lead to a 78% rise in demand for last mile delivery by 2030, resulting in a 30% rise in carbon emissions from the sector, without intervention. This is something we at alfred24 cannot sit by and watch happen! If we can reduce the amount of resources used by logistics, then it will be one step closer to achieving sustainability.

There are many ways in which the industry can play its part in reducing the impact it has on the environment, but the first way is through the use of smart lockers.

What are smart lockers?

A smart locker is a storage solution that has integrated technology built into it, allowing it to automate package delivery, notification, and distribution. Once a package is delivered into a smart locker system, the recipient is automatically notified that their package is ready for pickup and provided access instructions. Access instructions generally take the form of an access code, order number, or barcode that they can scan. Once they arrive at the locker location, the user enters their verification information at the kiosk touch screen or accesses their assigned locker using a mobile app. Once the verification information is entered correctly the door to the correct locker will open and the customer will be able to retrieve their package.

This not only increases security compare to analog deliveries but is also safer during the pandemic, as the number of human touch points are reduced.

How Smart Lockers Can Help The Environment

Smart lockers are one way that we can reduce the environmental impact of logistics, by optimising sensors that help tracking their usage and optimizing energy consumption based on usage patterns. This means that when there are not many people using a locker, it will turn off its lights and sensors until someone enters again, which saves a lot on energy costs for companies who have these installed in their buildings or warehouses.

Additionally, because deliveries are made to one central location the total number of deliveries goes down. Less deliveries equals less carbon emissions per parcel. Less carbon emissions per parcel equals greater sustainability.

The Smart Solution

In the end, it all boils down to one crucial point- the optimization of shipments. The more optimised these shipments are, the higher chance we have of limiting our impact on the environment. From consolidated shipments that lead to less C02 per parcel to the energy efficient use of the lockers themselves, smart lockers provide these solutions.

And since we are on the verge of environmental catastrophe, it becomes imperative that we address these environmental concerns,  without compromising on our productivity and capabilities to deliver scalable solutions for all.

Get in touch with alfred24 today to find out more.