Singapore's First BiodiverCity Project: Bolloré Logistics Blue Hub
An icon of new sustainable architecture, Blue Hub features an advanced energy management system, which taps on the capabilities of the Internet of Things (IoT) devices to make predictive building analyses. Further initiatives include a storm-water recycling system, energy and water consumption monitoring, a photocell sensor for harvesting daylight, a food digester for a zero-waste cafeteria, and chemical- free landscape management.
With freight movement accounting for up to 8 % of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere, the industry does impact the environment, according to a study by logistics professor Alan McKinnon of Kühne Logistics University (KLU).
With dire consequences awaiting our planet should the emission rise just a little higher, the need to create sustainability through innovation has become a hot topic in the logistics industry and the race to decarbonize logistics operations is underway.
The KLU’s research findings affirm that investing in Green Logistics or sustainable solutions can be affordable and yield a rapid return on investments, yet the challenge lies in tailoring a solution that achieves the world’s complex environmental, operational and economic needs. In an email interview with Air Cargo Update, Bolloré Logistics S ingapore Pte Ltd . , Bolloré Logistics’s main office in the Asia- Pacific Region since 1983, explains h w its new hub combines sustainable development with innovation.
The Blue Hub
Bolloré Logistics, a major player in international logistics and supply chain management which ranks as among the top 10 largest groups within the sector with 120 offices in 19 countries, recently unveiled Blue Hub, i ts newest investment in Singapore.
It is recognized by local environmental agencies as an achiever in Green Technology and sustainable solutions, attaining awards such as the Green Mark Platinum and BiodiverCity Award, while earmarked to receive the LEED Gold Certification. It features an amalgamation of technology and eco-friendly solutions to achieve sustainability.
Bolloré Logistics, a major player in international logistics and supply chain management which ranks as among the top 10 largest groups within the sector with 120 offices in 19 countries, recently unveiled Blue Hub, its newest investment in Singapore.
The new state-of-the-art facility is equipped with fully integrated automation solutions that improve storage flexibility, productivity and efficiency. As a projection of their core values, Blue Hub is built with a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and employee centricity in mind.
With intentions to show Blue Hub as an icon of new generation sustainable architecture, i t i s equipped with top o f l i n e technology such as the multi-shutter system for optimizing storage density while ensuring optimal inventory location; and an energy efficient 43 meter tall Spiralveyor capable of energy savings up to 87%. Integrated with Goods-to-Person (GTP) system, operations at Blue Hub guarantees optimum order fulfillment accuracy.
Blue Hub features an advanced energy-management system, which taps on the capabilities of the Internet of Things (IoT) devices to make predictive building analyses. Further initiatives include a storm- water recycling system, energy and water consumption monitoring, a photocell sensor for harvesting daylight, a food digester for a zero- waste cafeteria, and chemical-free landscape management.
Home to Innovation
Blue Hub is also home to B.Lab, a regional innovation platform with the aim of developing value-creating solutions & sustainable technologies through cross-sector collaboration. Its aim is to accelerate the digitization of the supply chain by supporting all innovation initiatives, from ideation to go-to-market phase.
Focusing on the needs of their customers in the context of the Digital revolution, their current initiatives are led by four disruptive technologies – Block Chain, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Internet of Things through a pragmatic innovation program, design thinking approach, and a global collaborative network and innovative ecosystem.
Bolloré Logistics intends to support the local government’s Smart Nation agenda by contributing to this innovation ecosystem, working with local universities to train young minds on creative thinking and the creation of logistics solutions.
Powering Sustainable Logistics
Since 2012, Bolloré Logistics has built several hubs based on environmental demanding certifications . In 2018, this sustainable investment policy is advocated further by ensuring that any new construction throughout the world, and whatever its size, will be based on an environmental certification.
The company is moving towards a new economic model that bears greater corporate responsibility, in terms of ethical business conduct and environmental expectations associated with their industry. Their belief is that sustainable consumption is a shared responsibility among those involved.
It is within this context that they have launched the “Powering Sustainable Logistics” program. This program aims to boost the environmental and social awareness of Bolloré Logistics employees at every stage of the supply chain operations.
As a leading player of logistics development in more than 100 countries, Bolloré Logistics wants to accompany its clients in achieving sustainable, international growth, and to underline its commitment to sustainable global trade.
A win-win proposition
The major challenges presented by climate change calls for a global mobilization to seek sustainable means to improve the lives of the current and future generations. This results in a paradigm shift in attitude towards sustainability, causing companies to redouble their green efforts.
Being a central component that connects entities within the supply chain, the transportation and logistics sector plays a pivotal role in radiating sustainable development along the chain. With a common reduction target defined, it sets the stage for the connected stakeholders to transit together into the low- carbon business economy.
By incorporating sustainability initiatives in their operations, it enables Bolloré Logistics to provide eco-responsible transportation and logistics solutions in response to their customers’ needs.
The company involves carriers and partners in processes, and incorporates environmental data in their decision-making tools for freight purchases. Environmental performance targets are set with customers, as the company continuously strives to improve their approach through their feedback.
Staying true to their corporate vision to foster “People-Powered Innovation”, Bolloré Logistics ensures that all efforts to drive sustainable logistics development are performed in consideration to the safety and needs of their employees. While technology may be the heart of their logistics performance, the company recognizes that the added value of women and men, who optimizes the daily work to deliver tailored and customized solutions for the most extraordinary challenges, is the fundamental driver of innovation.
