Net-Zero-Energy Self-Storage Facility Opens in Stratford, CT

UB Stratford I LLC completed construction of a net-zero-energy self-storage facility in Stratford, Connecticut. Managed by self-storage real estate investment trust (REIT) Extra Space Storage Inc. and branded under its name, the facility at 70 E. Main St. used nearly $400,000 in efficiency incentives to save an estimated $40,350 in annual energy costs, according to a press release.

The 130,000-square-foot facility is part of an open-air shopping center, which aligns with UB Stratford’s renewed interest in developing and renovating such properties. Energy engineers from United Illuminating (UI), a subsidiary of AVANGRID Inc., and development and construction consulting firm Chandler LLC helped UB leverage incentives through Energize CT, an initiative that helps Connecticut home and businesses owners find rebates, financing and services for energy efficiency.

“This was one of those situations where economic decisions and environmental benefits aligned. The availability of the UI energy incentives were really important to the success of this project,” said Stephan Rapaglia, chief operating officer for UB Stratford’s parent company, Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. (UBP). “Without the generous UI incentives, it may not have made economic sense for us to move forward with the project and build this new facility.”

The energy produced by onsite renewable sources is intended to counterbalance the amount the building uses. The benchmark is expected to be achieved through the environmentally conscious design of the building and the implementation of technology within it, such as heat pumps, energy-efficient LED lighting and HVAC systems. It also uses renewable energy from rooftop solar panels. Exterior-efficiency measures include LED lighting in the parking lot and canopy lighting.

UBP retrofits and improves open-air community shopping centers across the Connecticut/New Jersey/New York metropolitan area. “This emerging net-zero-energy building project is a testament to the success that can be achieved when a UI energy engineer, UI-approved contractor and our customers work together before, during and after a new construction or retrofit of an existing building,” said Elizabeth Murphy, supervisor for AVANGRID. “These incentives are available to help make these transitions into cleaner operations easier and more cost-efficient for our customers.”

Founded in 1969, UBP is a self-administered publicly held REIT that provides investors with a means of participating in the ownership of income-producing properties. Investment properties consist primarily of neighborhood and community shopping centers in the Metropolitan New York tri-state area.

Established in 1899, UI operates 3,600 miles of electric distribution lines and 138 miles of transmission lines. It serves approximately 341,000 customers in Bridgeport and New Haven, Connecticut.