Industrial warehouse construction is not simply undergoing a transformation – it’s spearheading a revolutionary shift, led by a cocktail of influences such as customer demands, labour crises, supply chain upheavals, technological breakthroughs, and an urgent cry for sustainability.
This transformative process is particularly evident in Vancouver, a city that attracts startups and strives to accommodate the space needs of multinational retailers, all while grappling with the challenge of diminishing developable land.
In this dynamic environment, these construction trends support business growth and foster innovation while addressing pressing environmental and operational needs. It’s not just about understanding and adopting these trends anymore. The real challenge for Vancouver’s industrial construction sector is to become the trendsetters, pushing the envelope of what’s possible in warehouse construction.
Sustainability Isn’t Just an Option – It’s Imperative
As British Columbia aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, warehouse contractors are increasingly focusing on innovative “green design” practices to future-proof their buildings. An excellent example of this is the Pacific Corporate Centre (PCC) developed by Cedar Coast, which will become the future home of Mountain Equipment Company. Located at the border between Surrey and Langley, PCC complements neighbouring industrial facilities while also accommodating future upgrades to meet net-zero certifications.
Implementing energy-efficient systems, deploying renewable energy sources, and creating sustainable water management strategies are more than just design considerations – they’re critical for combating climate change. These crucial design considerations not only lessen the environmental impact but also provide long-term cost savings through reduced energy consumption and enhanced resource efficiency.
Embracing sustainable and green design allows Metro Vancouver’s industrial warehouses to align with environmental preservation policies, meet regulatory requirements, and gain a competitive edge by demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship. Sustainable and green design is no longer a choice – it’s the future of industrial warehouses in Metro Vancouver, and it’s high time the industry champions it.
Flexibility and Adaptability Aren’t Luxuries – They’re Necessities
Industrial warehouses need to go beyond merely accommodating startups – they must anticipate and adapt to their evolving needs. Meticulous, modular construction techniques, adjustable interior layouts, and scalable infrastructure enable warehouses to swiftly accommodate evolving storage and distribution needs. By incorporating flexible features such as mezzanine floors and modular racking systems, warehouses can easily reconfigure their spaces to meet changing requirements.
Dr. Ma’s 33,000-square-foot, purpose-built laboratory and warehouse in Surrey, exemplifies this and shows that the opportunity for flexibility and adaptability are no longer extras – they’re essential for ensuring businesses stay nimble, streamline their operations and swiftly respond to market fluctuations. The ability to adapt helps future-proof warehouses, ensuring they remain viable and valuable assets over the long term. Warehouses should not just be built to last but also built to change.
The Integration of Automation and Technology Isn’t a Convenience – It’s an Expectation
Automation and advanced technologies are not just augmenting warehouse operations – they’re redefining them. Industrial warehouses are now being constructed to facilitate the seamless integration of automation systems, robotics and artificial intelligence. When it comes to accommodating technological progress, certain factors must be taken into consideration. These include ceiling height, floor load capacity, and data connectivity infrastructure. An example of incorporating these factors can be seen at the Coastal Heights Distribution Centre in Surrey, home to Skechers’ first distribution center in Canada.
By leveraging automation and technology, warehouses like Skechers’ distribution center, can enhance efficiency, accuracy, and productivity in tasks such as inventory management, order fulfillment, and logistics. These innovations also help mitigate labour challenges, optimize space utilization, and enable real-time data-driven decision-making, driving operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
The industrial construction industry is experiencing a transformation driven by the convergence of sustainability, adaptability and technology and motivated by Vancouver’s scarcity of developable land. It’s not enough to just embrace these trends. The construction industry needs to be at the forefront of sustainable and green design, we must demand flexibility and adaptability, and we should insist on the integration of automation and technology. Our industrial warehouses should not just support the growth and innovations of businesses in Vancouver – they should be leading the charge in pushing the boundaries of innovation.
The future of industrial warehouse construction is here. It’s time to stop observing and start leading. We are not just building warehouses that meet current needs. We are creating visionary spaces that inspire innovation, uphold environmental stewardship, and redefine operational excellence. The time for change is now – let’s rise to the occasion and lead the way.
Braden Smith is the Director, Development at Orion Construction. Orion Construction is the Lower Mainland’s leading design-build contractor. Led by Joshua Gaglardi, the Orion team offers an end-to-end design-build process to their clients, streamlining construction and increasing efficiency. Headquartered in Langley, BC, with a team of 46 people in the office and on-site.
Leave a Reply