Green Warehouses - The Future of Sustainable Logistics

Abstract

As sustainability becomes an increasingly critical priority in logistics and supply chain management, the implementation of green warehousing practices has emerged as a key area of interest for both academic researchers and practitioners. This study aims to examine the feasibility, current level of implementation, and perceived environmental and operational benefits of green warehousing features—such as selective waste collection, energy-efficient lighting systems, the use of renewable energy sources, and green roofs—among companies operating in Győr-Moson-Sopron County, Hungary. Based on a quantitative survey conducted among a diverse sample of companies varying in size and sectoral focus, the research explores the extent to which green warehousing practices are integrated into everyday operations. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS software, applying descriptive statistics and correlation analysis to assess the relationship between company characteristics (e.g., size, ownership structure, industry) and the implementation of specific green solutions. The results indicate a growing awareness of and openness toward environmentally sustainable warehousing. However, they also reveal significant barriers to implementation, primarily related to financial limitations, technological readiness, and lack of institutional incentives. While larger firms appear more capable of adopting advanced green technologies, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face structural challenges that hinder their transition toward more sustainable warehousing models. This study contributes to the literature on green logistics by providing empirical insights into the regional dynamics of sustainable warehouse management. Furthermore, it offers practical implications for policy-makers, industry actors, and support organizations seeking to foster the wider adoption of green practices in warehousing, especially in the context of SMEs operating in regional economies.