Entering the self storage industry can seem challenging. Location, size and several other factors are all in play when starting out. So why add concerns of environmental sustainability into the mix? Whether you are planning a large location or testing the waters with a few external units, environmental sustainability should be central to your strategy.
In this blog post, we explore what currently limits self storage startups from integrating environmental sustainability into their businesses, the benefits of doing so, and how Janus can help along the way.
The Big Picture
Surrounded by mounting social and political pressure, environmental sustainability rests at the top of many executive agendas – 90% of all European businesses now plan to maintain or increase their environmental sustainability-linked operational investments by 2026. Self storage is no different, with 66% of British operators currently investing in environmental sustainability improvements within their businesses. Many large industry players are now well on their way towards reducing their environmental impact, with operators such as Big Yellow, Safestore and Surestore implementing carbon-reduction strategies.
Why Startups Struggle with Environmental Sustainability
Despite the shift, implementation can be more difficult for new firms. Research by Fujitsu Uvance, in partnership with the Financial Times, highlights short-term financial pressures and shortages of internal expertise as fundamental reasons why startups lag behind their more established counterparts.
These factors may currently create obstacles for you in integrating environmental sustainability into your new or existing business plan. Nevertheless, there are three crucial reasons why environmental sustainability can, and should, lie central to your strategy.
(1) Building Long-term Brand Value and Competitiveness
One concern surrounding the integration of environmental sustainability is the additional burden it can cause for startups, drawing scarce time and financial resources. Considering all the stress of starting a new business venture, why add another dimension to worry about?
Nonetheless, with increasingly bold action from industry leaders, efforts to integrate environmental sustainability are becoming the expected industry norm. Recent research by the Self Storage Association UK indicates that environmental sustainability integration increases the desirability of self storage brands among prospective tenants, with 95% of operators surveyed believing it adds value to their businesses. Startups risk appearing outdated to prospective tenants if exclusively short-term outlooks are taken, making environmental sustainability key to harnessing long-term brand value and competitiveness.
Of course, a complete overhaul of traditional operations would undoubtedly create huge costs. That said, the integration of many green practices have never been so cost-effective. From implementing new recycling procedures or LED lighting to altering the colour-coating on your steel doors, simple changes can have monumental differences.
One example is Janus’ GreenCoat® Pural BT solution by SSAB, a pioneering steel colour-coating solution which replaces a substantial proportion of traditional fossil-fuel-based chemicals with rapeseed oil. Designed specifically for the construction industry, GreenCoat® reduces environmental footprint, is fully recyclable and retains ultra-durability. GreenCoat® is just one case of a cost-effective and long-term solution to begin your self storage journey with environmental sustainability at the forefront.
(2) Improving Attractiveness to External Investors
Integrating environmental sustainability into your strategy also increases attractiveness to prospective investors. With 70% of investors now reporting to be turned off by poor environmental credentials, integration has never been more important for startups seeking external investment. In a context where self storage operators are increasingly asked by property investors to provide evidence of environmental accreditations for buildings, having a provider which takes transparent action at every stage can create a pivotal competitive advantage.
With a business management system purposely designed to meet the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management and ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management standards, our production centres in the UK and Poland deliver operational excellence and the highest-quality products whilst championing rigorous environmental policies.
Additionally, Janus holds Authorised Economic Operator status, benefitting from an exceptionally strong supply chain network. Our raw materials originate from companies that adhere to strict ESG guidelines and our timber suppliers meet the UK Forestry Commission standards (FSC, PEFC) and International standard for wood packaging, ISPM 15. We also participate in the Swedish ebvd Construction Product Declaration initiative, providing transparent information on our entire product range. This enables customers to assess the full-lifespan environmental sustainability of our different products, ‘from cradle to end of life’.
Successful environmental sustainability integration doesn’t involve quick fixes, cutting corners or making false promises. Janus has a track record of being the market leader in the provision of high-quality, sustainable self storage solutions – making us your ideal partner to meaningfully integrate environmental sustainability into your new business venture for the long term.
(3) With Market-Leading Guidance Throughout, It’s Easier Than You Think
Naturally, thinking about environmental sustainability can seem overwhelming and unrealistic for many self storage startups. Despite this, through working with Janus, our team of experts can assist you to safeguard your long-term investment. Our all-inclusive service covering every aspect of your operations will offer continuous support to find practical solutions which align with your unique self storage journey.
With Janus, you’re gaining much more than products, you’re gaining 30 years of industry wisdom, market-leading innovation and an entire team of highly-experienced experts eager to provide tailored assistance every step of the way.
You can lead the way in building green today for a valuable tomorrow.
What Next?
The Janus team would be delighted to chat – offering a completely free consultation to begin your sustainable self storage journey today. Janus is the global leader in sustainable self storage product innovation and comprehensive service quality. We are your long-term trusted partner for sustainable self storage solutions.
To find out more about our range of self storage and access control solutions, please get in touch on: sales@januseurope.com or +44 (0) 20 8744 9444.
