Extra Space Storage to Convert 150 Locations to Solar Energy in Less Than Three Years

SALT LAKE CITY - Aug. 13, 2013 - PRLog -- Extra Space Storage (http://www.extraspace.com), a national leader in the self-storage industry, is in its third year converting its self-storage facilities to solar powered clean energy.

In 2013, Extra Space Storage will invest approximately $15 million to add solar panels to 40 facilities to make a total of 150 facilities nationwide using solar energy by the end of the year. With more than 150 facilities nationwide using solar panels, Extra Space Storage will have saved 15,000 tons of carbon dioxide and 11,000 acres of fir trees in only three years.

The commitment to reduce its carbon footprint began in 2010 when Extra Space Storage partnered with 1^st Light Energy to install solar panels on self-storage facilities. The new solar panels enabled Extra Space Storage to become a responsible user of energy by reducing its coal consumption by 80 percent.

“We have a corporate responsibility to manage our energy output and saw solar energy as the key change to make a significant difference in the environment,” said Spencer Kirk, chief executive officer of Extra Space Storage. “Extra Space Storage is on track to becoming a leader in sustainability with continued solar power installations, and other programs to improve energy such as using better lighting and converting paperwork to digital files.”

Extra Space Storage has implemented other energy-efficient initiatives at various locations such as converting to LED lights, adding skylights and installing motion sensors that turn on lights only in specific areas when needed. Also, a digital signature platform was created for customers to electronically sign their storage unit leases. This significantly reduced paper waste from 10 reams (5,000 sheets of paper), to just a single ream of paper per month at each location.

For more information on Extra Space Storage’s corporate responsibility and sustainability programs, visit www.extraspace.com.