Abstract. Sustainable warehouse is about integrating, balancing and managing the economic, environmental and social inputs and outputs of the warehouse operations. Sustainability is a core value to many businesses but they find it hard to implement in their current business setting especially when they use third party logistics management system like warehousing and distribution in their supply chain business network. This paper explores the application of sustainability principles in the context of warehouse storage and distribution management and introduces a sustainability model for setting up of a warehouse or transformation of an existing warehouse that provides the storage services. The model incorporates the usage of third party transportation systems for supply and distribution services.

Purpose -The paper seeks to propose the concept of sustainable enterprise simulation models. The social, environmental and economic models are developed and simulated using iThink in the context of a warehousing and distribution company. Design/methodology/approach -The paper has leveraged the systems dynamic paradigm to conduct sustainable enterprise modelling and iThinke system to implement the models. It uses the design science research methodology for the proof of concept of the models and modelling processes. The models have been developed for a logistics management company and tested in the business settings. These models were finalised through a number of revisions and iterations of the design, develop, simulate and test and evaluate. Findings -The paper addresses the interconnectivity between disparate sustainability dimensions for developing the models. The validity and usefulness of the sustainability models for the day-to-day decision making has been authenticated by the management of the warehousing organisation. Originality/value -The paper implements system dynamics concepts of sustainability modelling and produces models of various sustainability dimensions which are original in nature and evolution. While the domain in which sustainable enterprise modelling was carried out was warehousing, the concepts and principles that were explored, developed and validated is applicable across most enterprises.