Shurgard Self Storage Receives ESG Excellence Award

Shurgard Self Storage Ltd., the European affiliate of U.S.-based real estate investment trust Public Storage Inc., has received the 2023 Golden Bridge Trade & Investment Award for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Excellence from the Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (BLCC) in Great Britain. Shurgard’s rating from GRESB B.V. (Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark) and other ESG recognitions this year were cited as key reasons for the honor.

GRESB is a data-services firm that issues an annual, international assessment of sustainability performance of property companies and real estate funds. Shurgard received a five-star rating this year and an overall score of 91%.

Shurgard also placed among the top 9% of real estate companies this year in S&P Global Inc.’s Corporate Sustainability Assessment. In addition, Euronext has included the company in its BEL ESG Index, which tracks 20 Belgium-based companies that demonstrate high ESG practices, according to the release.

“Shurgard is honored to receive this ESG award, showing our commitment to being eco-friendly and community-driven,” company officials said in a press release. “At Shurgard, we take pride in our ambitious ESG strategy. This has required embracing industry-leading innovations while continuously working to reduce the environmental footprint of our assets. Our dedication extends beyond environmental responsibility. We are actively involved in building strong local communities, too.”

Since 2021, Shurgard has reduced its energy consumption 7.2% and carbon emissions 9.3%. The company has set a goal to reach net zero on greenhouse-gas emissions for operations by 2030 and materials by 2040, the release stated.

“This award isn't just recognition; it cements Shurgard as a European leader in sustainable self-storage services, reinforcing our commitment to positive change,” company officials said.

The BLCC launched the Golden Bridge awards in 2000. The program recognizes accomplishments of Belgian- and Luxembourg-based companies that export to or trade in the United Kingdom.

Shurgard operates 275 self-storage facilities comprising 1.4 million net rentable square meters in Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Based in Glendale, California, Public Storage has interests in 3,028 self-storage facilities in 40 states, with approximately 217 million net rentable square feet. It holds a 35 percent interest in Shurgard.